Close ranks to combat evil forces, Xi urges

'More cooperation needed to fight terrorists, separatists and extremists'

President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China expects "closer strategic communication" with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to address challenges posed by terrorists, separatists and extremists.

Xi made the remarks when he met with visiting chiefs of staff from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Beijing.