In a speech during UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee on "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism", China's permanent representative Sun Lei stated his opposition to politicizing and instrumentalizing anti-terrorism measures.
According to the transcript on the website of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Sun Lei said the following:
Chairman
First of all, China congratulates you on being elected as the Chairman of Committee VI of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. We are willing to work together with you and the members of the Presidium, as well as the delegations from various countries, to ensure the success of the work of this committee.
Currently, terrorist attacks are occurring frequently around the world. Terrorist activities that utilize new technologies such as the internet, drones, and artificial intelligence are all too common. The international situation against terrorism has become even more severe. Terrorism is an enemy of human society. In the face of terrorist threats, no country can remain immune. China adheres to a joint, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable concept of security. We actively advocate for jointly addressing the global challenge of terrorism. We are willing to propose the following suggestions:
First, it is necessary to adhere to unified standards and build a consensus on counter-terrorism. All countries should follow the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, fully implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and combat all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the Security Council. China supports the development of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. It firmly opposes the politicization and instrumentalization of counter-terrorism efforts, double standards, selective counter-terrorism, linking terrorism to specific countries, nations, or religions, and interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of counter-terrorism.
Secondly, it is necessary to adopt comprehensive measures to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities. All countries should strive to eliminate the roots of terrorism and promote political solutions to regional conflicts and hot issues, so as not to provide opportunities for terrorist forces. It is essential to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, support developing countries in their efforts to eradicate poverty, and break the vicious cycle of “poverty leading to terror”. There should be stronger legal regulation and risk assessment of emerging technologies, to improve the ability to use these technologies to prevent and combat terrorism. China calls on all countries to join the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, to establish a legal framework for preventing and combating terrorist activities that utilize information and communication technologies.
Third, it is essential to adhere to multilateralism and form a joint effort against terrorism. Countries should maintain the central coordinating role of the United Nations and promote the coordination of global counter-terrorism policies and joint actions. Cooperation with regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the African Union should be strengthened, leveraging the advantages and coordination capabilities of these organizations to create a joint force against terrorism. The international community should help developing countries, especially those in Africa, to enhance their capabilities to independently address and implement counter-terrorism measures, while respecting the sovereignty of the parties involved.
Chairperson,
China actively responds to the United Nations' initiatives on counter-terrorism in accordance with the law. It continuously improves laws and regulations related to counter-terrorism, makes great efforts to protect and improve people's livelihoods, eradicates the breeding grounds for terrorist extremist ideas, and achieves significant results in the fight against terrorism. This year, the 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress of the People's Republic of China' was introduced and implemented, further establishing a legal barrier for national unity and social stability.
China has always been an important participant and contributor to the international counter-terrorism effort. It has carried out practical cooperation with various parties in areas such as intelligence exchange, border control, case investigation, and counter-terrorism financing. Through organizing training courses and holding seminars, China actively strengthens exchanges of experiences with the international community, helps to build counter-terrorism capabilities, and plays a significant role in maintaining international and regional security and stability.
Chairperson,
China is willing to continue working with all parties, guided by the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. We will implement global security initiatives and global governance efforts, jointly advance international counter-terrorism efforts, and collaborate in combating terrorism in all its forms. We will make active efforts to achieve a world of lasting peace and universal security.
Thank you, Mr. President.
