Counterterrorism as political tool opposed

Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao criticized on Wednesday moves that turn counterterrorism into a political tool for self-gain, and called for joining hands and pooling efforts to address new threats and challenges.

Wu made the remarks at the second international seminar on counterterrorism, which was held both online and offline in Beijing.

This year has seen a resurgence of international terrorist activities, Wu said, adding that the inward-looking counterterrorism strategies of certain countries have weakened the momentum of international cooperation.

"A few countries have made groundless accusations against the legitimate counterterrorism and deradicalization measures taken by the international community, and even exploited terrorist forces to advance their own geopolitical interests, which will only fuel the resurgence of terrorism," he said.

Wu stressed that counterterrorism should not become a tool of major country rivalry or a leverage in geopolitics, still less an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

He called for abandoning ideological biases and opposing double standards or the linking of terrorism with specific countries, ethnicities or religions.

Counterterrorism issues are complex and intricate, he said, adding that what is needed is to uphold and practice true multilateralism and rise above small-circle and zero-sum mentality.

A global united front against terrorism should be built, as solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons for defeating terrorism, he added.

Wu cited the 20-year war in Afghanistan, saying that military means alone cannot eradicate terrorism, and imposing democracy in the name of counterterrorism won't work and cannot be sustained.

He called for helping developing countries and other countries on the counterterrorism front line to fully enhance their capability, and to listen to those countries' positions and demands.

Addressing the origins of terrorism and taking steps on the economic, political, social, cultural and religious fronts will help remove the breeding ground for terrorism, he said.

Ali Nuaimi, a member of the United Arab Emirates' Federal National Council, who attended the seminar online, said that it is important to put political differences aside when it comes to countering terrorism, because it is not a war for a single nation or region.

It is also important not to play the human rights game when it comes to countering terrorism, he said, calling instead for working on values that bring various parties together to combat terrorism.