China's major anti-terrorism forces and their leading organs

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.

The group held its first meeting in Beijing on August 27, 2013, marking its official establishment.

Guo Shengkun is director of the group and also China's Minister of Public Security and a state councilor.

Deputy directors are Wang Yongqing, who is also secretary-general of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and deputy secretary-general of the State Council, Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and Wang Jianping, commander of the People's Armed Police.

The National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group Office is the administrative body and core of National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group.

Li Wei is director of National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group Office and Vice-Minister of Public Security.

Core participants of National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group: Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Armed Police Force, and PLA General Staff

Supporting units of National Anti-Terrorism Leading Group: Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Health and Family Planning Commission

Chinese provinces including Jiangxi, Shanxi, Guangdong, Anhui, Guizhou and Shaanxi have established their own anti-terrorism leading groups. Provincial anti-terrorism groups are usually led by the head of the provincial commission for political and legal affairs.

Since March 2014, 22 provinces, five autonomous regions and four municipalities have carried out anti-terrorism emergency drills.

China's major anti-terrorism forces include:

-- People's Armed Police Force

The People's Armed Police Force deals quickly with public emergencies and is a regular counter-terrorism force in the country. The Snow Leopard Commando Unit (SLCU) under Beijing People's Armed Police is an important counter-terrorism force.

-- PLA

-- Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT)

In 2005 by order of the Ministry of Public Security, 36 major Chinese cities established SWAT units to beef up anti-terrorism preparedness, including four municipalities, and capital cities in 22 provinces and five autonomous regions,