President,

China commends the co-facilitators, Finland and Morocco, for their efforts in facilitating the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution on the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. China also thanks the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) for its work on this review process and the various activities organized during Counter-Terrorism Week.

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is an important guide for Member States in strengthening counter-terrorism capacity-building and promoting international counter-terrorism cooperation. As this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Strategy, the ninth review provides an important opportunity for all countries to deepen understanding of counter-terrorism and strengthen collective efforts in this regard. China welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution on the ninth review of the Strategy. I wish to emphasize the following four points.

First, we should continue to build consensus on combating terrorism. Terrorism is the common enemy of mankind. We should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, reject selective approaches and double standards in counter-terrorism, and oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of counter-terrorism issues. We should support the United Nations in playing its central coordinating role in international counter-terrorism cooperation, implement the four pillars of the Strategy as well as the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions in a comprehensive and balanced manner, and resolutely combat all terrorist groups and individuals designated by the Security Council, including ISIS and the ETIM.

Second, we should strive to eliminate the root causes of terrorism. The international community should adopt a comprehensive approach, promote political solutions to hotspot issues, reduce conflicts and instability, and leave no space or opportunities for terrorist forces to exploit. Underdevelopment is a major factor contributing to the persistence of terrorism. We should support the countries concerned in developing their economies, eradicating poverty, improving education, expanding employment, and pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, so as to promote sustainable security through sustainable development.

Third, we should continue to enhance global counter-terrorism capabilities. Terrorist groups abuse emerging technologies for propaganda, incitement, recruitment, financing and the planning of terrorist attacks. The international community must accelerate the application of emerging technologies to empower counter-terrorism efforts and build forward-looking defenses against terrorism. At the same time, greater support should be provided, particularly in such areas as funding, technology, equipment and intelligence, to developing countries facing higher risks of terrorism.

Fourth, we should effectively strengthen international counter-terrorism cooperation. The international community should boost cooperation in such areas as intelligence sharing, law enforcement cooperation, mutual legal assistance and border control. We should also support the work of the Secretariat of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and other counter-terrorism entities in promoting better coordination of global counter-terrorism policies, joint operations and technical assistance. We should deepen cooperation with regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the African Union to jointly combat terrorism.

President,

China is a steadfast supporter of and an active participant in international counter-terrorism cooperation. China has continued to improve its legal and regulatory framework on counter-terrorism, actively responded to terrorist threats posed by forces such as the ETIM, and actively participated in and supported counter-terrorism cooperation under multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. China stands ready to work with all parties to fully implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and make greater contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security.

Thank you, President.