Mr President,

China thanks USG Vladmir Voronkov and (CTED) Executive Director Michèle Coninsx for their briefings. We welcome the ninth report submitted by Secretary General Guterres on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security.

The recent spate of attacks in Afghanistan, Egypt, Somalia and elsewhere have inflicted colossal damage on those countries. As noted in the report, although ISIL has suffered military defeats, it remains an international terrorist organisation that poses a global threat. Issues such as how to deal with FTF returnees and their family members and the resettlement and reintegration of released personnel present challenges to Member States. Member States must remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye on the global threat of terrorism. The international community should foster an awareness of building a community of shared future for humankind and step up results-based cooperation in the joint fight against the threat of terrorism.

First, it is imperative to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and allow the United Nations and its Security Council to play a central role in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts. The fight against terrorism must be based on unified standards, a zero-tolerance policy and respect for the sovereignty of the countries concerned and the primary responsibility of Member States in counter-terrorism, and fully implementing the Council’s relevant resolutions and the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This is the only way to stay united, coordinate effectively and work in synergy.

Second, it is important to take a holistic approach by addressing the root causes as well as the symptoms of terrorism and focusing on eliminating the root causes. The international community should push for a political settlement of hotspot issues, resolve differences by peaceful means, assist Member States in poverty reduction and eradication and sustainable development and encourage dialogue and harmonious coexistence among different civilisations and religions on equal footing. Assistance should be given to developing countries to help Member States build greater capacity for counter-terrorism and deradicalisation.

Third, it is necessary to step up international judicial cooperation and adopt tailored counter-terrorism measures in the light of the emerging trend and new characteristics of terrorism. This requires us to focus on the following prominent issues: the movement of FTFs, the diversified means of terrorist financing, the collusion of terrorist organisations with organised crime and the misuse of the Internet and communications technologies by terrorists. Support should be given to Member States to enhance cooperation in border control and law enforcement, intelligence sharing and results-based cooperation.

Fourth, the strengths and expertise of UNOCT, UNCTC, the 1267 Committee and other mechanisms should be fully leveraged so they can continue to contribute to terrorist threat assessments, capacity-building efforts of Member States, terrorist sanctions, and so on. UNOCT should be given support in organising regional counter-terrorism meetings. In the course of their work, each and every one of the counter-terrorism mechanisms must act in strict accordance with the relevant resolutions and rules of procedure with increased coordination among themselves and enhanced communication with Member States, to maintain the authority and effectiveness of the counter-terrorism and sanctions regimes and make greater contributions to international counter-terrorism effort.

Mr President,

As an important player on the international counter-terrorism front, China is deeply involved in counter-terrorism cooperation within the frameworks of the UN, SCO and so on. China has been supporting Member States’ counter-terrorism capacity building through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund and carrying out fruitful cooperation with many Member States in such areas as counter-terrorism intelligence sharing and combating terrorist financing, transnational organised crime and cyber terrorism, thus making remarkable contribution to the global fight against terrorism. Alongside the community of nations, China stands ready to fight the threat of terrorism through concerted efforts in a joint quest for world peace and stability.

Thank you, Mr President.