China: 15 killed in Xinjiang as region passes 'religious extremism' lawBy Jason Hanna, CNNUpdated 11:16 PM ET, Sun November 30, 2014Anti-terrorism forces stand watch in this file image taken in northwest China's Xinjiang region.Story highlightsState news: Assailants throw explosives, attack with knives on a street in XinjiangPolice kill 11 of the attackers, four other civilians killed and 14 injuredAttack came as Xinjiang People's Congress passed new law on religious extremismXinjiang has been site of ethnic strife involving Han Chinese and the indigenous UyghursChinese police killed 11 assailants who launched what state media described as a terrorist attack on Friday afternoon at a food market in Xinjiang, in the country's northwest.It came as the region's People's Congress passed a new law to clamp down on religious extremism, including banning people from practicing religion in government offices, public schools, business or institutions, China Daily reported.The law gives local authorities the right to ban people from wearing clothes or logos associated with religious extremism, although the types of clothing and symbols weren't specified. The regulation also prohibits people from viewing videos about jihad and religious extremism.READ: Q&A: Xinjiang and tensions in China's restive far westIn Friday's attack, assailants threw explosives and attacked people with knives at a crowded food market in Shache County, killing four civilians. Fourteen others taken to hospital with injuries, state news agency Xinhua reported.Just WatchedUyghur scholar on trial for 'separatism' replayMore Videos ...Uyghur scholar on trial for 'separatism' 07:09PLAY VIDEOJust WatchedXinjiang attacks shifting to civiliansreplayMore Videos ...Xinjiang attacks shifting to civilians 02:41PLAY VIDEOJust WatchedExplosions in Xinjiang region of ChinareplayMore Videos ...Explosions in Xinjiang region of China 01:32PLAY VIDEOIt's one of a number of attacks in the region, the scene of ethnic tension between the indigenous Uyghurs, a mainly Turkic-speaking Muslim population, and Han Chinese.The new law on religious extremism -- the first in the country -- will come into force in January.The law defines religious extremism as "activities or comments that twist the doctrines of a religion and promote thoughts of extremism, violence and hatred," China Daily reported.The article quoted Ma Mingcheng, deputy director of the Xinjiang People's Congress and director of its legislative affairs committee, as saying that "an increasing number of problems involving religious affairs have emerged in Xinjiang.""The old regulation, which was passed 20 years ago, just cannot handle new situations, such as the spreading of terrorist or extreme religious materials via the Internet or social media, and using religion to interfere in people's lives," Ma said. 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Teens help strengthen U.S.-China tiesDavid McKenzie meets some American teenagers who are spending a year in China to be fully immersed in the culture.
Govt pledges to help boy with HIVThe Chinese government pledges to protect a boy with HIV, who was shunned by his entire village in Sichuan, state media reported.
'Hot watergate' diverts flightA Chinese couple allegedly threw hot water on a flight attendant and threatened to blow up the plane.
New rules for Chinese national anthemChina's 1.3 billion citizens may soon find it much harder to belt out their national anthem at will.
What Beijing can learn from LALos Angeles in the last century went through its own smog crisis. The city's mayor says LA's experience delivers valuable lessons for Beijing.
From apex of power to caged 'tiger'At the height of his power, security chief Zhou Yongkang controlled China's police, spy agencies and courts. Now, he's under arrest.
China to end organ harvestingChina says it will end organ transplants from executed prisoners but tradition means that donors are unlikely to make up the shortfall.
Beijing to take aim at 'weird buildings'China's skylines could look a lot more uniform in the years to come, if a statement by a top Beijing official is to believed.
China loser on corruption rankingsDespite a high-profile anti-corruption drive, China's position on an international corruption index has deteriorated in the past year.
Putin's killer tiger in cross-border raidA daring cross-border raid by one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's associates has -- so far -- yet to sour Sino-Russian relations.
Taiwan's nightclubs for literatureA 24-hour bookstore in Taipei is a popular hangout for both hipsters and bookworms.
China building island in disputed watersChina is building an island in the South China Sea that could accommodate an airstrip, according to IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
'Snakehead' gangs offer only escapeNorth Korean refugees and defectors face a daunting journey to reach asylum in South Korea, with gangs of smugglers the only option.
U.S.: China could take down power gridChina and "probably one or two other" countries have the capacity to shut down the nation's power grid and other critical infrastructure.