Envoy tells UN of crucial need for unity in fight against terror

UNITED NATIONS — A Chinese envoy on Monday asked for a unified standard in the fight against terrorism.

“In combating terrorism, all countries should uphold a unified standard and adopt a zero-tolerance policy,” Wu Haitao, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council.

International counterterrorism efforts must comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and respect the sovereignty of states concerned as well as the ownership of member states, Wu said. They also should give full play to the leading role of the United Nations and its Security Council and fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions and the UN global counterterrorism strategy, he said.

“Terrorism is a common enemy of mankind, and no country can cope with it alone. The international community should embrace the concept of a community of a shared future for mankind, enhance results-oriented cooperation, maintain unity and respond collectively to terrorist threats,” he added.

Wu asked UN member states to strive to eliminate the sources of terrorism and address both the symptoms and root causes.

The international community should assist member states in socioeconomic development and promote the settlement of hot spot issues through political means, he said.

Wu asked for the building of a new type of international relations, the promotion of dialogue on an equal footing and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and religions.

“Terrorism should not be associated with any specific country, ethnicity or religion,” he said.

Wu also asked countries to take seriously the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and to stop terrorist organizations from misusing the internet and telecommunications technologies.

“We should … strengthen border management as well as cooperation in such areas as law enforcement, sharing of intelligence resources and mutual legal assistance. In response to the emerging trend and charac- teristics of terrorism, we should focus on enhancing international cooperation in combating cyberterrorism, terrorist financing and the spread of extremist ideologies.”

Wu said the fight against so-called East Turkestan violent terrorist forces should be part of international counterterrorism efforts.

Over the past few years, terrorist elements represented by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement have planned and carried out a number of attacks in China. They have also posed a serious threat to countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, he said, adding, “Such forces should be met with resolute measures.”

China categorically rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Wu said.

As an important player in the international fight against terrorism, China has been deeply involved in international cooperation through such mechanisms and platforms as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China has also supported UN member states with capacity building in this area through the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, he said.

China stands ready to work with all countries to jointly respond to the threat of terrorism and to maintain world peace and tranquility, Wu said.

The international community should ... enhance resultsoriented cooperation, maintain unity and respond collectively to terrorist threats.”

Wu Haitao, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations