BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China must be alert to terrorism threats as the Lunar New Year holiday nears, Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun warned on Sunday.

　　Guo, who heads the national counter-terrorism leading group, told a televised conference that police and security departments should fully understand the country's counter-terrorism law and be vigilant in gathering terrorism intelligence.

　　He urged authorities to strengthen preventative measures against terrorist acts.

　　China's counter-terrorism law took effect on Jan. 1.