China announces setting up of National Security Council under President Xi Jinping

Washington – China has announced that it is setting up a National Security Council under President Xi Jinping with a wider focus, including domestic affairs.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Qin Gang said that the new body is to ensure the nation’s security, but did not reveal any details on the reasons behind its establishment, Christian Science Monitor reports.

Qin warned the terrorists, extremists and separatists against disrupting China’s national security, the report added.

Analysts said China has been planning from long to establish such a body to respond to both domestic and international security issues, from border and territory disputes to attacks like the recent car bomb at Tiananmen Square.

The commission is likely to function in the same way as the U.S. National Security Council, and further strengthen power behind President Xi Jinping in coming years.

The idea is said to be as old 15 years ago during the reign of President Jiang Zemin, but only Xi has been able to consolidate the necessary power and support to make it happen, the report added.

A series of controversial disputes with its neighbors over islands and territorial waters have highlighted the need for a centralized advisory body.

The country also wants to keep a tight control over regions, including Tibet and Xinjiang.