China's Anti-Terrorism Law has come into effect today. For the first time, the Chinese law clearly stipulates that People's Liberation Army and armed police forces, can send groups to carry out anti-terror missions in foreign countries, after the mission is approved by the Chinese government. But whether they can station troops in foreign soil to fight against terrorism, spokesman for the Defense Ministry Yang Yujun explains the issue.
"Terrorism is the enemy of the international community. Anti-Terrorism Law stipulates procedures for the PLA and armed police forces, to carry out anti-terror missions in foreign countries. The procedures are in line with China's Constitution and the National Security Law. When armed forces and police carry out their duties in foreign countries, they need to comply with the purposes and principles in the United Nations Charter, and fully respect the host country's sovereignty. As for when China's PLA and armed police will actually take overseas anti-terror missions, the Chinese government will have more detailed arrangement later," Yang said.
