China has launched a joint mechanism to improve intelligence gathering for anti-terrorism efforts, according to a statement released Wednesday.

Guo Shengkun, minister of public security, urged full use of the intelligence to smash violent terrorist activities before they are carried out, according to the statement.

The statement did not specify what government departments will take part in the joint mechanism.

While giving a full play of traditional methods of intelligence gathering, authorities should also use big data and information technologies to enhance coordination, sharing and research of anti-terrorism intelligence, he said while attending the launching ceremony of the mechanism.

The gathering center should become a powerful intelligence support to China's fight against terrorism, he said.