China News Agency, United Nations, July 10 (Xinhua) On July 10, local time, the United Nations held a special meeting on "Priority Tasks and Coordination of Anti-Terrorism in Member States after the Epidemic". The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Warrenkov presided over the meeting. Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, attended and delivered a speech.
Zhang Jun said that during and after the epidemic, further promotion of multilateralism is essential to counter-terrorism efforts. In the face of the epidemic, no country can protect itself, which also shows that the threat of non-traditional security issues continues to increase, and we must redouble our efforts to respond. Terrorism has no borders, and terrorism in any form and manifestation is a threat to international peace and security. Anti-terrorism must avoid double standards. We must strengthen our firm support for international mechanisms and continue to support the United Nations in playing a leading role in counter-terrorism. Upholding multilateralism and strengthening international cooperation are the only options for meeting challenges.
Zhang Jun pointed out that in the face of the new and evolving challenges of terrorism, we must have new tools and technologies and take more timely actions to fight back. Although the link between the epidemic and terrorist activities still needs further research and analysis, we should be highly vigilant about the impact of the epidemic. We should further consolidate the legal framework and strengthen operations at all levels, including international, regional, and national levels, make full use of information technology, and strengthen intelligence sharing and judicial cooperation. Relevant international instruments including relevant Security Council resolutions should be strictly implemented.
Zhang Jun emphasized that we need to strengthen unity to fight terrorism and attach importance to capacity building. Faced with these challenges, only everyone is safe, every talent will be safe, we should build a partnership. It is hoped that the CTC will continue to respond to the needs of combating cyber terrorism, bioterrorism and law enforcement cooperation through capacity building projects. Anti-terrorism in Africa should be a priority. Cooperation with regional organizations such as the African Union, ASEAN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the European Union is extremely important. It is necessary to fully encourage development and regional cooperation in accordance with the needs of Member States to eliminate the root causes of terrorism.
Zhang Jun said that China will continue to strengthen its political and financial support for the Counter-Terrorism Office and international counter-terrorism cooperation. Through China and the United Nations Peace and Development Fund, we have funded the Anti-Terrorism Office’s African anti-terrorism and large-scale sports event security projects. In the future, we will continue to strongly support the work of the relevant United Nations counter-terrorism agencies and actively participate in the review process of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We will commit ourselves to advance the fight against terrorism and fight against the epidemic in order to safeguard the common future of all mankind.
In response to the erroneous remarks made by U.S. representatives on Xinjiang-related issues at the meeting, Zhang Jun pointed out that China firmly rejects the U.S.'s unfounded accusations. There are no good or bad terrorists. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is deeply affected by terrorism and extremism. In order to respond to these threats, Xinjiang has adopted a series of preventive counter-terrorism and de-extremification measures, which is in line with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and The Action Plan for Preventing Violent Extremism stipulated and made positive progress. China firmly opposes politicization or double standards on the issue of counter-terrorism, and urges the US to stop these erroneous words and deeds and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.
This meeting is one of a series of activities of the United Nations Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week from July 6 to 10. The Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week event is hosted by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office, and is held on a network platform through video and broadcast live globally. The results of the meeting will be included in the review process of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2021. (Finish)