Need to adopt a ‘holistic approach’ against terrorism: Chinese President

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for a “holistic approach” to fight terrorism in all its forms, ahead of the Brics leaders meeting on Monday. His statement comes days after China ruled out discussing Pakistan’s record in cross-border terrorism at the three-day summit.

Delivering the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Business Forum on Sunday, Xi said, “I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide.”

“We BRICS countries are committed to upholding global peace and contributing to the international security order,” Xi said.

Xi added that “geopolitical hotspot issues” can be resolved through negotiations. “When dialogue, consultation and negotiation are conducted to create conditions for achieving political settlement of issues such as Syria, Libya and the Palestine-Israel conflict, the flame of war can be put out, and displaced refugees will eventually return to their homes,” he said.

PM Modi is expected to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan in his speech at the summit.

However, China is unlikely to talk about India’s specific contention this year — on Thursday, it ruled out any discussions on its ally Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts in Xiamen, saying it would not be a “appropriate” topic to be taken up .

As long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism..., and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide XI JINPING, Chinese President