First counter-terrorism institute set up in NW China

China's first institute on counter-terrorism law studies aiming at providing legal experts to help China combat terrorism was founded in a university on Saturday.

The institute, set up by the Northwest University of Political Science and Law in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi province, is expected to receive its first class of undergraduates in this year's spring semester. It will also have doctoral and master's programs.

"To better fight terrorism under the new circumstances, China has urgent and strategic demand for qualified experts who have comprehensive knowledge in the field," said Jia Yu, president of the university, at the establishment ceremony of the institute on Saturday.

Different from counter-terrorism institutes under the People's Public Security University of China, Yunnan Police Officer Academy and Xinjiang Police College, the newly founded institute will focus on law and policy studies rather than dealing with terrorist attacks.

"It (the program) will study counter-terrorism laws in different countries and finding out how terrorism evolves with social development so China can better fight terrorism in accordance with the law. Graduates of the institute can become government advisors in anti-terrorism policies," Jia said.

China is facing intensified anti-terrorism situations as foreign terrorist and extremist groups have stepped up their efforts to target China. The country's first counter-terrorism law was just put into force on Jan 1 this year.