| China Daily
The International Seminar on Counter-Terrorism 2026 opened on Tuesday in Yining, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, drawing about 100 officials and scholars from 24 countries and regional organizations, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia and the African Union.
Under the theme “Addressing New Challenges of Terrorism: Strengthening State Responsibilities and Fostering International Synergy”, the event highlighted the need for shared commitment, state responsibility and international cooperation.
Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Xinjiang regional government, the seminar was organized by the region’s foreign affairs office, the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the World Muslim Communities Council.
Zhai Jun, the special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, said global terrorist activities have resurged, with attacks becoming more complex, diverse, technology-driven and organized. The Middle East, Africa and South Asia have been among the regions most severely affected, while countries in the Global South are facing mounting pressure, he said.
Zhai said counterterrorism efforts should be integrated with conflict reduction, poverty alleviation, bridging civilizational divides and promoting political dialogue, with the United Nations playing a central coordinating role. He added that China has provided — and will continue to provide — public goods to strengthen international counterterrorism capacity-building. He also called for stronger governance of emerging technologies to prevent their misuse by terrorist groups.
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defense Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the UAE Federal National Council and chairman of the World Muslim Communities Council, described terrorism as a common enemy of humanity and said no country can confront the challenge alone. Defeating terrorism requires unity and a comprehensive approach that combines financial, political, military, educational and ideological measures.
Al Nuaimi said both China and the UAE have made significant progress in addressing the root causes of terrorism, offering a prevention-oriented and holistic approach that respects international law. He emphasized the importance of education in promoting coexistence, peace and national identity.
Drawing on his visits to Xinjiang, he said all levels of government and local communities have actively participated in countering extremism, safeguarding security and promoting prosperity.
Xu Guixiang, secretary of the leading Communist Party of China members group of Xinjiang’s foreign affairs office, said the region once experienced multiple terrorist attacks and violent incidents but has not seen such cases for nearly a decade after years of sustained efforts.
He said that terrorist forces abroad continue to infiltrate through online and cross-border activities, and that social stability remains a top priority. Xu reiterated Xinjiang’s resolve to crush any terrorist plots in accordance with the law, while adjusting tactics as appropriate to balance public convenience with stability.
Xu added that Xinjiang will deepen cooperation under the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and the China-Central Asia mechanism in areas including risk assessment, cyberspace governance, joint exercises and coordinated operations.