CPC newspaper urges respect for intl law in anti-terror cooperation

Anti-terrorism cooperation between nations must be based on international law and justice, according to a Chinese newspaper commentary in response to Barack Obama's tough talk on the fight against the Islamic State.

The People's Daily on Friday carried a commentary saying international law, morality and justice must be considered before taking any action.

"Only by doing just things in a just manner can victory be achieved for justice," said the piece in the Communist Party of China's flagship newspaper.

The Afghanistan and Iraq wars witnessed political disorder after forceful power change, crises brought about by unilateral military action, and huge numbers of civilian casualties, the unnamed author noted.

Nations can effectively fight terrorism only through cooperation as the Internet has become a powerful cross-border tool for terrorists to finance their operations, recruit members and plot attacks across the world. There should be a consensus for all countries to help Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan to restore stability and normal order to root out terrorism, the commentary argued.

But this cooperation can't work without respect for international Law and adherence to the basic principles of international relations, it warned.