China has warned that terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger collective action to counter extremist networks and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for global terrorism.
Addressing a session of the United Nations Security Council on “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts,” Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, Sun Lei, highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism and the growing capabilities of extremist groups, particularly the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), to conduct cross-border attacks.
Sun Lei stated that terrorist organizations present in Afghanistan continue to expand their operational capabilities and remain a major security concern for the region. He stressed that the international community must remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation to address the persistent threat posed by these groups.
The Chinese representative urged Afghanistan’s authorities to honor their commitments regarding counterterrorism efforts and take firm, effective, and non-discriminatory action against all terrorist organizations operating within the country. He emphasized that this includes individuals and groups designated under the sanctions regime established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267.
Sun Lei stressed that decisive measures are essential to ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for international terrorist organizations. He called for sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, restrict militant activities, and prevent extremist groups from exploiting regional instability.
The Chinese envoy emphasized that defeating terrorism requires not only security measures but also efforts to address its underlying causes. He called on the international community to support Afghanistan’s economic recovery, create employment opportunities, and improve living conditions for ordinary citizens.
According to Sun Lei, sustainable development and economic stability are important components of long-term counterterrorism efforts, as they can reduce vulnerabilities that extremist groups exploit for recruitment and propaganda purposes.
He reaffirmed China’s support for enhanced cooperation between Central Asian countries, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Afghanistan to jointly confront cross-border terrorism and strengthen regional security mechanisms.
Highlighting emerging challenges, Sun Lei warned that terrorist organizations are increasingly using modern technologies, including the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and other digital tools, to spread extremist narratives, recruit followers, raise funds, and facilitate terrorist activities.
He stated that these developments have created new challenges for global counterterrorism efforts and require stronger international frameworks for monitoring, regulation, and risk assessment.
China, he said, supports international initiatives under the United Nations framework aimed at improving governance of emerging technologies, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and developing effective legal and regulatory responses to prevent their misuse by extremist groups.
The Chinese representative emphasized that violent terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism must not be allowed to expand their influence through technological advancement.
He further called for increased support to developing countries through technology transfers, specialized equipment, technical assistance, training programs, and intelligence cooperation to strengthen their counterterrorism capabilities.
During his address, Sun Lei urged the United Nations Security Council to make full use of existing sanctions mechanisms under Resolutions 1267 and 2713.
He called for the inclusion of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majid Brigade faction in international sanctions lists at the earliest opportunity, stating that such measures would strengthen global efforts against terrorism and improve accountability for militant organizations.
The Chinese representative also condemned a recent suicide attack in Pakistan that resulted in the loss of civilian lives and injuries.
Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, Sun Lei called on the international community to continue supporting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and cooperation aimed at eliminating terrorist threats.
Sun Lei noted that international terrorism remains a complex and evolving threat. He highlighted that terrorist organizations continue to expand their operational capabilities, exploit regional conflicts, and adapt their methods to challenge global peace and security.
He urged the international community to promote a new security approach based on shared responsibility, comprehensive cooperation, and sustainable solutions.
China reiterated the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism, avoiding the politicization of counterterrorism efforts, and strengthening unity, coordination, and international cooperation to effectively address the global terrorist threat.
