Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft anti-terrorism law that seeks to clearly define terrorism and improve on intelligence gathering and sharing.

The draft legislation, first introduced in October, was reviewed on Wednesday at a bi-monthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature.

Once approved, it will be the country’s first counter-terrorism law. The move towards a fresh law comes amid a series of terrorist attacks last year, especially in the southwest of the country.

China has, so far, been dealing with terrorism cases on the basis of the Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law and Emergency Response Law, along with a series of provisions scattered among various NPC Standing Committee decisions.

The new draft clarifies the definition of “terrorism,” which refers to “any speech or activity that, by means of violence, sabotage or threat, generates social panic, undermines public security, and menaces government organs and international organizations.”

It stipulates that the People’s Court should be allowed to directly identify terrorists and terrorist organizations. It also suggests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participate in this identification work.

The draft calls for setting up an anti-terrorism body to coordinate and streamline the gathering of intelligence in the field. It aims to improve how information is collected and shared across government bodies, and among the military and armed police.

While aimed at combatting terrorism, the draft also intends to enhance protection of citizens’ rights.

Specifically, security agencies must seek permission in order to access citizens' phone records or online data. Approval is also required for inquiries, inspections and subpoenaing citizens.