Chinese FM calls for 'new thinking and new steps' in response to terrorism

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the international community to come up with "new thinking and new steps" in its response to terrorism.

Wang made the remarks when speaking at a UN Security Council summit on terrorism, during which the 15-nation body adopted a resolution requiring member states to cooperate in efforts to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters.

"Faced with the new trends and new developments of terrorism, we must come up with new thinking and new steps in response," Wang told the Security Council.

"First, we should step up information gathering and sharing," he said. "Full scope should be given to the advantages of the United Nations and relevant international institutions on such matters as establishing a counter-terrorism database and information exchange platform, so as to step up sharing of information resources and intelligence analysis."

Wang noted that counter-terrorism on the Internet should also be strengthened, calling for resolute measures to stop the use of social media to spread extremist ideas, especially the releasing of audio and video materials of violence and terror.

"Internet companies and operators should exercise self- discipline," he said.

The foreign minister also said that countries must block the channels of terrorist movement and financing of terrorism.

"All countries, particularly those adjacent to ongoing conflicts, ought to fulfill international obligations for effective border control," he said. "We must enhance cooperation in financial regulation, crack down on illegal underground banking activities, and block terrorist financing."

In addition, Wang called on the international community to promote de-radicalization.

"While taking actions in accordance with law to crack down on and outlaw venues and personnel that are engaged in advocating and spreading extremism, we should protect normal religious activities, promote public awareness, and give greater play to the role of local communities, thus injecting more positive energy in society, " he said.