Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, the Chinese delegation would like to express its congratulations on the recent adoption of the United Nations Global Strategy for Counter Terrorism. As yet another major achievement of the United Nations in the field of counter terrorism, it demonstrates the international community's unity and determination to win the fight against terrorism and as such is of great significance. We hope that the strategy will play a positive role in the international community's efforts against terrorism.

Mr. Chairman,

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack of "9.11". In the aftermath of that attack, the international community has taken a series of measures and steps against terrorism and as a result, has achieved some results. However, the international community still faces grave challenges in the fight against terrorism. The terrorist attacks that have taken place since then clearly show that terrorist acts remain a serious threat to international peace and security.

The Chinese government has consistently opposed and condemned international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and is against the use of terrorist activities for political purposes. China has always maintained that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in compliance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and other established rules of international law. It must be conducted on the basis of law and in such a way as to avoid double standards and refrain from linking terrorism with any particular civilization, ethnic group or religion. Exchanges and dialogue between different civilizations must be enhanced so as to improve mutual understanding. For the fight against terrorism to be effective, while measures should be taken simultaneously in the fields of prevention, legislation and enforcement, both the manifestation and the cause of terrorism must also be tackled, focusing on the solution of such underlying problems as conflict, social unrest, injustice and poverty. The United Nations and its Security Council and General Assembly in particular should continue to play a leading and coordinating role in the international struggle against terrorism.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese government has consistently worked to improve the international legal framework for combating terrorism. It has taken an active part in the work within the UN system to negotiate and formulate international conventions against terrorism and has honored its relevant treaty obligations with concrete actions. Of the 13 existing international conventions against terrorism, China has acceded to eleven. It has signed the International Convention on the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism. Currently, preparations are underway for an early ratification of the Convention. In addition, China has initiated the domestic procedure for acceding to the Amendment to the Treaty on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials. On regional and bilateral levels, China has, in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, acceded to the Shanghai Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism. By concluding the Agreement on the Regional Counter-Terrorism Institution, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have established their own regional counter-terrorism institution. China has also entered into bilateral counter-terrorism agreements with Kazakhstan, Kirgystan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Furthermore, China is engaged in international cooperation with countries concerned to combat terrorist crimes within the framework of bilateral agreements on criminal justice assistance and on extradition. In the field of domestic legislation, China has amended its criminal code to include provisions on the suppression of financing for terrorism. It has also expanded the provision on money laundering to cover the crime of financing for terrorism, thus providing a legal basis for the prevention, suppression and penalization of terrorism. At present, the Chinese government is actively considering the formulation of special laws against terrorism.

Mr. Chairman,

An early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism will be of great significance for the international struggle against terrorism. The Chinese delegation has taken an active part in the drafting of the convention and will continue to do so in a cooperative and constructive spirit. China hopes that all member states will work for an early breakthrough in this process so that the draft convention can be finalized at an early date. Moreover, the Chinese government endorses the initiative to convene a high level conference on the fight against terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.