China calls for effective governance of emerging technologies to fight terrorism

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for stronger international governance of emerging technologies to fight terrorism.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Sun Lei, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, said terrorist groups are increasingly using the Internet, artificial intelligence, drones and other emerging technologies for incitement, recruitment, financing and attacks, posing new challenges to global counter-terrorism efforts.

He urged the international community to improve risk assessment and regulatory frameworks and prevent "the 'three forces' of violent terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism from exploiting emerging technologies to spread and infiltrate."

Sun also called for greater support for developing countries through technology transfer, training and information-sharing to strengthen their counter-terrorism capabilities.

Reaffirming that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security, Sun said the international community should uphold cooperation, reject the politicization of counter-terrorism and strengthen coordinated action.

Stressing the need to address terrorist threats in Syria and Afghanistan, he urged Syria's transitional government to take firm action against all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. Sun called on the Afghan authorities to fulfill their counter-terrorism commitments and prevent the country from becoming a base for terrorist activities again.

The Chinese envoy also expressed concerns over the security situation in Africa's Sahel region, calling for stronger international support in border management, intelligence-sharing and capacity building while respecting the sovereignty of regional countries. He said the United Nations should deepen cooperation with the African Union and advance development to tackle the root causes of terrorism.

Sun said China will continue to promote international counter-terrorism cooperation under frameworks including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, and work with all parties to combat terrorism in all its forms.