In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei called on the international community to stand together in the fight against terrorism. Speaking during an open debate on counter-terrorism efforts on February 4, Sun emphasized the need for a unified front to safeguard global peace and security.
Sun Lei advocated for a comprehensive approach based on equality, openness, cooperation, and sustained security principles. She stressed that the world must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of terrorism, rejecting selective targeting and double standards. ‘We must strengthen solidarity and pool our strengths to protect international peace,’ she declared.
Highlighting ongoing threats, Sun pointed to groups like the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which continue to destabilize Afghanistan and its neighbors. China urges the Afghan interim government to take decisive action to eliminate these terrorist forces, she said.
China is committed to bolstering cooperation with Central Asian nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Afghanistan to combat cross-border terrorism. By supporting Afghanistan’s economic development, Beijing aims to address the root causes of extremism. Sun reaffirmed China’s readiness to strike against any form of terrorism alongside relevant parties.
This appeal comes amid heightened concerns over regional instability, underscoring China’s proactive role in global security discussions. As terrorist networks evolve, international collaboration remains crucial to preventing further escalation.