China Warns UNSC of Serious and Complex Terrorism Threat from Afghanistan

DID Press: China has warned the United Nations Security Council that terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional security, urging the Taliban to honor their counterterrorism commitments and prevent the country from once again becoming a safe haven for militant organizations.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on global terrorism, Sun Lei, China’s Chargé d’Affaires to the United Nations, said terrorist groups based in Afghanistan remain a significant security concern for China and neighboring countries.

Referring to Islamic State Khorasan Province, Sun said such groups have strengthened both their intent and capability to conduct cross-border attacks. He called on the Taliban authorities to fulfill their counterterrorism obligations and take action against all entities listed under the UN Security Council’s 1267 sanctions regime, ensuring Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for terrorism.

Sun also stressed the importance of international assistance to support Afghanistan’s economic recovery and improve living conditions, adding that cooperation among Central Asian countries and organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation could strengthen regional counterterrorism efforts.

The Chinese envoy further warned that terrorist organizations are increasingly exploiting the internet, artificial intelligence and drones for recruitment, financing and operational planning, creating new challenges for global counterterrorism. He called for stronger governance of emerging technologies to prevent their misuse by what China describes as the “three evils”—terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.

Sun also urged the Security Council to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army and its Majeed Brigade under UN sanctions and condemned the recent suicide bombing in Pakistan.

He concluded by emphasizing that international terrorism remains a serious and evolving threat, calling on the international community to uphold a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism while avoiding the politicization of global counterterrorism efforts.