China’s first educational institute of its kind focusing on counterterrorism law was set up by the Northwest University of Political Science and Law in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. It is expected to receive its first class of undergraduates in the spring semester. Undergraduate students will attend lectures on the counterterrorism strategies of China and other countries, along with lessons on religious and ethnic affairs. The institute will also introduce doctoral and master’s degree programs in counterterrorism law.

China is facing an intensified threat of terrorism as foreign terrorists and extremist groups have stepped up their efforts to target the country. China enacted its first counterterrorism law in 2015.

Unlike counterterrorism institutes at the People’s Public Security University of China, the Yunnan Police Officer Academy, and Xinjiang Police College, the newly created institute will focus on law and policy studies rather than how to react to terrorist attacks.