[JURIST] China's new Law on Public Security Administrative Penalties [text in Chinese; press release] took effect Wednesday, creating 165 new offenses and setting maximum penalties ranging from 200 yuan ($25 US) to 15 days detention for Chinese citizens all the way to deportation for foreigners. The new offenses include repeatedly sending pornographic cellphone messages and disturbing public order at public events. This is the third revision of China's public security rules; originally issued in 1957, they were previously revised in 1986 and 1994. Chinese officials say the higher financial penalties reflect increases in Chinese personal income, 8.6 times higher today than that in 1986. The law was passed last August but not immediately implemented. China Daily has more. Shanghai Daily has background coverage.

Wednesday also saw the implementation of the previously approved [JURIST report] Regulation on AIDS Prevention and Control, which bans discrimination against HIV and AIDS patients. The RAPC is the Chinese government's first legal declaration on AIDS. CRI has more.