Chinese envoy calls for action against terrorism

A Chinese top envoy to the United Nations on Thursday called for practical actions on fighting terrorism, attention to eliminating its root causes and support for counterterrorism efforts of developing countries.

"It is crucial that we translate our words into tangible political will and take practical actions on anti-terrorism. Anti-terrorism must not entertain the idea of double standards, let alone adopt a selective approach," said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN.

"We cannot simply focus on combating terrorist organizations that pose a direct threat to our own nation, while turning a blind eye to those that endanger other countries. Nor should we engage in the dangerous practice of 'whitewashing' such organizations," Zhang said on the adoption of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

The response to terrorist threats should not remain superficial, and attention must be paid to eliminating the root causes of terrorism, Zhang said, adding that it is important to realize that military action alone cannot eradicate terrorism.

"Effective counterterrorism efforts must encompass both the symptoms and the root causes," he said. "This requires us to respect the leading role of the affected countries, while employing comprehensive approaches to eliminate the underlying factors that give rise to terrorism."

Measures such as eradicating poverty, promoting employment opportunities, respecting the diversity of civilizations and fostering social tolerance are "integral to addressing the root causes of terrorism", said Zhang.

Zhang said that support for the counterterrorism efforts of countries should prioritize capacity-building. He emphasized that developing countries face the dual challenges of insufficient counterterrorism capabilities and resources.

"Therefore, it is crucial that the UN focuses its counterterrorism resources on countries that are at the forefront of the fight against terrorism," he said.

To assist developing countries in strengthening their capacity to combat terrorism, Zhang said, "we must concentrate on the priority areas identified by the recipient nations".

"It is important to avoid imposing the agendas and goals of donor countries on others. Instead, we should respect the autonomy and needs of each nation in determining their own counterterrorism strategies," the envoy emphasized.

He said that the UN has a responsibility to enhance the coordination of extra-budgetary resources dedicated to counterterrorism. "This will enable greater utilization of funds to improve counterterrorism legislation and strengthen the judiciary and law enforcement capacities in developing countries," he said.

"We must support nations in enhancing their comprehensive capabilities to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists and effectively combat cyberterrorism. It is through such measures that our assistance can yield tangible and meaningful results in the fight against terrorism," he said.

Zhang also called for a close monitoring of the security situation in Afghanistan.

"Terrorist organizations, such as the Islamic State Khorasan, al-Qaida, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement have not only established a strong presence within Afghanistan but have also expanded their reach to China and countries in Central Asia," he said, adding that expansion poses a significant threat to regional peace and security.

"It is imperative for all parties to collaborate in combating the terrorist organizations identified by the Security Council and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a gathering place for various terrorist groups," said Zhang.

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by consensus in 2006, is a global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism, according to the UN.

The General Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted the resolution titled "The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Eighth Review". The resolution reaffirmed the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy while strongly condemning terrorism.