Chinese envoy asks for unified standard in fighting terrorism

China's deputy permanent representative to the UN has called for a unified standard in the fight against terrorism, Xinhua reported.

"In combating terrorism, all countries should uphold a unified standard and adopt a zero-tolerance policy," Wu Haitao told the Security Council.

International counter-terrorism efforts must comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; respect the sovereignty of states concerned, as well as the ownership of member states; give full play to the leading role of the United Nations and its Security Council; and fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions and the UN global counter-terrorism strategy, said Wu.

"Terrorism is a common enemy of mankind, and no country can cope with it alone. The international community should embrace the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, enhance result-oriented cooperation, maintain unity and respond collectively to terrorist threats," he added.

Wu asked UN member states to strive to eliminate the sources that give rise to terrorism and address both the symptoms and root causes.

The international community should assist member states in achieving socio-economic development, and promote the settlement of hot spot issues through political means, he said.

Wu asked for building of a new type of international relations and the promotion of equal-footing dialogue, and harmonious coexistence of different civilizations and religions.

"Terrorism should not be associated with any specific country, ethnicity, or religion," said Wu.

He also asked countries to take seriously the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and to stop terrorist organizations from misusing the Internet and telecommunications technologies.

"We should ... strengthen border management as well as cooperation in such areas as law enforcement, sharing of intelligence resources and mutual legal assistance. In response to the emerging trend and characteristics of terrorism, we should focus on enhancing international cooperation in combating cyber-terrorism, terrorist financing, and the spread of extremist ideologies."

China categorically rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, said Wu.

China stands ready to work with all countries to jointly respond to the threat of terrorism and to maintain world peace and tranquility, said Wu.