Resolutely oppose the politicization of counter-terrorism, Wang Yi: to abandon "double standards"

Implementing global security initiatives and promoting international counter-terrorism cooperation——

Wang Yi's Written Address at the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen

Firstly, on behalf of the Chinese government, I congratulate the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Forum on Counter Terrorism. We express our gratitude to the former co chairs of the forum, Morocco and Canada, for their tireless efforts in promoting the development of the forum. Appreciate the effective work of the new co chairs Egypt and the European Union. Welcome the new members of the Kenya and Kuwait forums.

The current world is intertwined with turmoil, and the century long changes are accelerating their evolution. The effectiveness of international counter-terrorism is evident to all, but the difficulties and challenges remain severe. Various types of terrorist extremist forces create trouble through chaos, cross-border collusion, and the spread and expansion of terrorist networks. Terrorist organizations use emerging technologies to carry out terrorist activities, making it even more difficult for the international community to prevent and combat terrorist activities.

Faced with the persistent problem of terrorism, finding more effective solutions and solving the current international counter-terrorism dilemma is a common issue faced by all countries. China is also a victim of terrorism, facing the real threat of the East Iran Movement, an international terrorist organization listed by the United Nations Security Council. China is also constantly thinking and exploring ways to solve this urgent issue in the fight against terrorism.

The 20 key cooperation directions listed in the Global Security Initiative's Concept Paper include strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation. China calls on the international community to uphold the concept and principles of the initiative to promote counter-terrorism cooperation and jointly make new contributions to the international counter-terrorism cause. The Chinese side has the following propositions:

Adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security as the guiding principle. All countries should uphold the concept of common security, respect and ensure the security of each country, and thoroughly combat terrorism. We will adhere to comprehensive policies and address both symptoms and root causes, and eradicate the breeding ground of terrorism through comprehensive means such as political dialogue, economic recovery, improving people's livelihoods, promoting mutual learning of civilizations, and strengthening international cooperation.

Adhere to the fundamental principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. All countries should uphold and practice true multilateralism, and effectively uphold and strengthen the central coordinating role of the United Nations in the international fight against terrorism. Support the international community to fully implement the anti-terrorism resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy, and jointly combat all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the Security Council.

Adhere to the important principle of valuing the legitimate and reasonable concerns of all countries in counter-terrorism. Focusing only on terrorist organizations that pose a threat to oneself, turning a blind eye to terrorist organizations that harm other countries, and even using them to serve one's own geopolitical interests is not a true fight against terrorism. It is even more unpopular to smear other countries' legitimate anti-terrorism efforts under the banner of human rights, democracy, religion, etc. These actions seriously poison the atmosphere of international counter-terrorism cooperation, causing harm to both individuals and themselves. Therefore, we must abandon "double standards" and firmly oppose the politicization of counter-terrorism.

Adhere to the key direction of enhancing anti-terrorism capabilities. Faced with new threats and challenges in the field of counter-terrorism, countries should conduct in-depth research and actively respond to the impact of emerging technologies on the international fight against terrorism, deepen policy dialogue and practical cooperation. We should further tilt global counter-terrorism resources towards developing countries, assist African countries in building their counter-terrorism capabilities, and enhance their ability to independently maintain security and peace.

Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

As one of the important mechanisms for international counter-terrorism cooperation, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum is committed to promoting experience summary and sharing among members, and has played a positive role in strengthening the counter-terrorism capacity building of all parties. Forum members are important partners in international counter-terrorism cooperation and should work towards each other, striving to seek the greatest common denominator of cooperation. Fully leverage the flexibility and professionalism of the forum, starting from the anti-terrorism needs of various countries, and timely provide practical and effective capacity building public products for each country. Strengthen communication and collaboration with international and regional multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS countries. Welcome the forum to participate in counter-terrorism exchanges and cooperation under the framework of global security initiatives, in order to further promote international counter-terrorism cooperation by gathering wisdom, pooling efforts, and achieving practical results.

Sincerity and mutual agreement, with a promising future. China looks forward to and believes that the forum will continuously achieve new practical results under the leadership of the new co chairs. China will continue to actively support and participate in the work of the forum, work together with all parties, and make positive contributions to effectively respond to the threat of global terrorism and achieve a world of lasting peace and universal security.