China's adoption of the new National Security Law on July 1 is an important matter in advancing the cause of the rule of law in the area of national security, the Chinese delegation to UN at Geneva said on Monday.
In a press release to the media, the spokesperson of the Chinese delegation said that under the new circumstances, China is faced with severe challenges to its national security.
"The formulation of the Law not only meets the realistic needs for addressing various national security risks and challenges, but also is an important measure in promoting the rule of law in all aspects," the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, it is common practice among countries to enact laws on national security, and China's new security law is based on China's national conditions, follows the basic principles of international law, and draws from good experience and common practice of other countries.
The spokesperson said that there should be a balance between rights and obligations in any country and society, adding that while the main responsibilities and obligations for the implementation of the Law lie with the State, the Law also clearly prescribes rights and obligations of individual citizens and organization under the Constitution, laws and regulations concerning national security.
According to the spokesperson, the Law is also people-centered and human rights oriented, since the Law is putting people's security first and committed to serving and relying on the people.
"The Law puts at the very beginning that it will protect the fundamental interests of the people in article 1, and article 7 underlines respecting and safeguarding human rights, and protecting the rights and freedoms of the citizens in accordance with the law," the spokesperson said.
