Nation names first counterterrorism chief

Liu Yuejin, a key figure in China's crackdown on illegal narcotics, has been appointed as the first commissioner of counterterrorism, it was announced on Sunday.

The 56-year-old, previously an assistant minister of public security, will coordinate the nation's efforts to prevent terrorist attacks.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security declined to give further details on Liu's appointment. However, Mei Jianming at the People's Public Security University of China welcomed the move.