China may see first anti-terrorism law this year

China may pass its first anti-terrorism law this year, as part of stepped up anti-terrorism measures, China Economic Weekly said, citing security experts.

Mei Jianming, director of the Anti-Terrorism Research Center at the People's Public Security University of China, said formulating an anti-terrorism law is one of the vital steps for the country to take, as anti-terrorism work has become a priority.

The law will be effective at deterring terrorism, said Li Wei, head of the Institute of Security and Arms Control Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Li predicted the law may be adopted this year, considering the nationwide campaign against terrorism.

China's National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group launched a year-long campaign against terrorist attacks and violence across China on May 25, with Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region as the major battleground. The campaign aims to lessen the terrorist threat and maintain overall social stability.