China's sweeping new counter-terrorism legislation, which takes effect in January, may constitute a Patriot Act-like moment for the country.

Just as homeland security has dominated politics in the United States in the wake of the September 11 attacks, "counter-terrorism" is becoming a central ordering principle for both China's domestic and foreign policy.

The new law requires local governments from the city level up to coordinate counter-terrorism activities with a soon-to-be-constituted national agency.

It provides a legal basis for the country's various counter-terrorism organs to identify and suppress individuals or groups deemed to be "terrorists" and requires Internet providers and technology companies to provide technical assistance and information, including encryption keys, during counter-terror operations.…  Seguir leyendo »