China appreciates Ukraine‘s initiative to convene today’s open debate of the Security Council on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. We welcome Foreign Minister Klimkin’s presiding over the meeting. We listened attentively to the briefings made by the Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet, Ms. Viotti, and the other briefers.

With the development of economic globalization, the interconnection of countries becomes increasingly close. Infrastructure is of great significance for countries as they develop their economies, strengthen interconnectivity and economic integration. On the other hand, the global counter-terrorism situation is increasingly serious, and infrastructure is increasingly becoming an easy target for terrorist attacks. Recently, a series of terrorist attacks on infrastructure, such as airports, has caused panic and resulted in serious losses of life and property. The international community should pay close attention to such developments and work together to fight this threat.

First, Member States need to focus on ensuring the security of regional interconnection projects and related critical infrastructure. Regional cooperation has significant bearing on global economic development and prosperity. China’s Belt and Road Initiative makes infrastructure connectivity a cooperation priority with a view to supporting the countries along the route, improving their infrastructure development and achieving mutually beneficial win-win cooperation and synchronized development for the benefit of all people. To date, more than 100 countries and international organizations have joined the Belt and Road Initiative actively. China hopes all parties to strengthen cooperation in areas such as intelligence-sharing, risk assessment and joint law enforcement through bilateral and multilateral channels, in accordance with the relevant resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly, so as to effectively protect connectivity projects and transboundary infrastructure from terrorist attacks and to ensure a safe environment of the Belt and Road construction.

Secondly, Member States need to effectively assume primary responsibility for the protection of their infrastructure. China hopes that, in accordance with the requirements of resolution 2341 (2017), countries will strengthen their coordination and develop relevant national security policies, factoring in the risk of terror attacks, and strengthen their capacity to protect infrastructure from such attacks through monitoring, early-warning systems and emergency response, with a view to ensuring the safety and security of their infrastructure.

Thirdly, Member States need to strengthen international cooperation in the area of infrastructure security. Countries need to comprehensively strengthen relevant international cooperation from the vantage point of building a community of shared future for mankind. Developed countries should help developing countries to strengthen capacity-building in that regard. Parties need to strengthen cooperation in information-sharing, law enforcement and judicial assistance in order to crack down on terror attacks against infrastructure. Relevant international and regional organizations should help Member States to share best practices and enhance national protection capabilities. The United Nations and the Security Council should play a leading role in the relevant international cooperation.

Mr. President,

Terrorism is the common enemy of all humankind. Whenever, wherever and in whatever forms it occurs, it must be countered resolutely. Countries need to adhere to uniform standards and staunchly crack down on all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council. International counter-terrorism actions should maximize the leading role of the United Nations and its Security Council and abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations so as to enhance effective coordination. China, as an important member of the international counter-terrorism camp, will continue to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation in accordance with the Counter-terrorism Law of the People’s Republic of China and the relevant international conventions in order to ensure the effective protection and security of infrastructure and work with the international community to combat terrorism and safeguard international peace and stability.

Thank you, Mr. President.