Written Statement by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum
(October 7, 2021)
Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen:
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.First of all, on behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to congratulate the forum and express my appreciation to the co-chairs, chairpersons of the working group and all members of the forum for their unremitting efforts for the development of the forum. Over the past 10 years, the Forum has played a unique role in researching frontier issues in counter-terrorism, promoting counter-terrorism capacity building, and promoting practical cooperation in counter-terrorism. It has provided strong assistance to the international community in the effective implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and has become an important issue in the current global counter-terrorism field. platform.
This year is also the 20th anniversary of the “September 11” incident.In a short span of 20 years, global terrorist threats have fluctuated in waves, and the international anti-terrorism situation is complex and severe. With the joint efforts of all countries, the international anti-terrorism cooperation has achieved remarkable results, but the terrorist forces have been suppressed and the terrorist networks are still spreading. Terrorist organizations use social networks, encrypted communications, virtual currency, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to engage in terrorist activities, which increases the difficulty of prevention and combat. The postponement of the epidemic in the century has brought complex effects on the international fight against terrorism. The international community’s anti-terrorism road has a long way to go, and international anti-terrorism cooperation can only be strengthened, not weakened.
Looking back on the international anti-terrorism cooperation in the past 10 years since the establishment of the forum, and reflecting on the international anti-terrorism struggle 20 years after the “September 11” incident, we should learn valuable experience and lessons from it.China puts forward the following five propositions for the future international counter-terrorism cause:
First, the central role of the United Nations should be played.In the face of terrorism, all countries share the same destiny, and unity and cooperation is the only way. We should step out of the “small circle” and “zero-sum game” thinking, practice true multilateralism, and always stand on the side of historical correctness, justice and morality. Earnestly abide by the basic principles of international relations such as the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, strictly implement relevant Security Council resolutions, and fully implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Second, the principle of treating both symptoms and root causes should be adhered to.Anti-terrorism is a complex and arduous systematic project. Only with a long-term perspective and starting from political, economic, social, cultural, religious and other aspects can we fundamentally eradicate the soil and environment that breed terrorism and finally win. The results of the war in Afghanistan once again proved that it is difficult to completely eliminate terrorism by relying solely on military means, and the forced transplant of democratic models in the name of counter-terrorism is unsustainable and unsustainable.
Third, any “double standards” should be discarded.Terrorists are no good or bad. If we proceed from political needs and politicize and instrument anti-terrorism, in essence, we will raise tigers for trouble, and they will eventually be eaten by tigers. Under the guise of protecting ethnic minorities and religious freedom, unprovoked attacks to discredit other countries’ legitimate counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures, let alone tolerate or even use terrorist organizations to seek geographical self-interest.
The “East Iraq Movement” is a terrorist organization listed by the 1267 Committee of the United Nations Security Council. It has been active and committed numerous crimes. It not only seriously endangers China’s security and stability, but is also a real threat to the international community. It must be resolutely cracked down with a “zero tolerance” attitude.
Fourth, new threats and challenges should be contained.The emergence of new signs of global terrorist activities should arouse a high degree of vigilance. Efforts should be made to deal with new threats and challenges such as the abuse of the Internet and emerging technologies by terrorists, the confluence of terrorism and organized crime, and the diversification of terrorist financing. “There are always people who better than you”. All countries should keep pace with the times, vigorously improve the level of anti-terrorism technology and capabilities, strengthen communication and exchanges and form a joint force to resolutely curb the escalation and spread of terrorism.
Fifth, the anti-terrorism capacity building of developing countries should be strengthened.It is necessary to help developing countries, especially African countries and frontier countries in the counter-terrorism struggle, enhance their counter-terrorism and de-radicalization capabilities, and consolidate every aspect of the counter-terrorism front. In March 2020, during China’s rotating presidency, China promoted the adoption of a presidential statement by the UN Security Council on helping African countries strengthen their anti-terrorism capabilities. We must earnestly implement the statement and vigorously support the anti-terrorism efforts of African countries.
Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
China is a founding member of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. It has been actively participating in and vigorously supporting the work of the Forum, offering suggestions and contributions to the development of the Forum. China initiated and organized two seminars on combating cyber terrorism within the framework of the forum, to build international consensus, expand practical cooperation, and achieve important results. China will continue to support the work of the Forum, implement the Forum’s “Strategic Vision for the Next Ten Years”, and promote more tangible results.
China has three suggestions for the future development of the forum:One is to deepen coordination and cooperation.Adhere to the non-political and informal positioning of the forum, strengthen communication and cooperation among members, strengthen coordination and cooperation with the United Nations and other international and regional institutions, increase information sharing, and achieve complementary advantages.The second is to strengthen research advantages.Continue to give full play to the pragmatic, efficient and professional characteristics of the forum, and strengthen research on key issues such as de-radicalization, combating cyber terrorism, and preventing terrorists from using emerging technologies.The third is to optimize the allocation of resources.Prioritize the focus of work and more resources to developing countries, provide more training and capacity-building projects, and effectively help developing countries improve their anti-terrorism and de-radicalization capabilities.
Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Terrorism is the public enemy of mankind. In the face of the threat of terrorism, all countries share weal and woe. We must stand at the height of a community with a shared future for mankind, unite and cooperate, respond together, and work together to eradicate the “cancer” of terrorism. China has always been an important participant and contributor to the international counter-terrorism camp. We are willing to continue to carry out effective counter-terrorism and de-radicalization exchanges and cooperation with other countries, and provide “Chinese solutions” for the international counter-terrorism process through our own efforts. China will work hand in hand with the international community to promote the global anti-terrorism cause to achieve greater results in the next decade of the forum, and make greater contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security!
thank you all!