China's Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun called for a strengthened crackdown on terrorism on December 17 to ensure public security and stability in the country.

Guo, who also heads the national counterterrorism leading group, asked all police departments and localities to study and understand trends in the fight against terrorism at home and abroad.

The minister called on police officers to further crackdown on violent terrorist activities, the online dissemination of audio and video containing terrorism, and people who are suspected of illegally entering the country to conduct terrorism.

He also underscored the need to heighten awareness and boost preventative measures against terrorism.

China has seen several acts of terrorism in recent years. The Internet has become an important tool for groups to plan and organize acts of terror and incite followers.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2015)