Xi Jinping expounds security commission role

Xi Jinping has explained the main responsibilities of the national security commission. [special report]

A national security commission will be established to improve systems and strategies for national security, according to a major decision by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, which was held from Nov. 9 to 12.

Entrusted by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xi, general secretary of CPC Central Committee, made an explanation of the decision on major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms to the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee.

The explanation was published in full text on Friday.

The main responsibilities of the national security commission will include construction of the rule of law system concerning state security, research, resolving major issues of national security, setting principles and policies, as well as stipulating and implementing strategies, according to the explanation.

"State security and social stability are preconditions for reform and development", said Xi in the explanation, adding that only when the nation is safe and society is stable, could reform and development constantly advance.

China is facing two pressures: internationally, the country needs to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests; domestically, political security and social stability should be ensured.

The variety of predictable and unpredictable risks has been increasing remarkably, and the system has not yet met the needs of safeguarding state security. A powerful platform which can coordinate security works is needed, he said.

"Establishing a national security commission to strengthen the unified leadership of the state security work is an urgent need", Xi said in the explanation.