Intl forum urges joint efforts on terrorism

Delegates from multiple countries called for strengthened global counterterrorism cooperation in response to evolving terrorist activities driven by technological advancements at an international forum in Beijing on Tuesday.

The Great Wall-2026 International Forum on Counter-Terrorism, organized by the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, is being held in Beijing from Tuesday to Thursday. The sixth edition of the event has brought together more than 320 representatives from 62 countries and international organizations.

Lieutenant General Zhao Dongfang, chief of the general staff of the People's Armed Police Force, said the threat posed by international terrorism persists, while becoming increasingly concealed, networked and fragmented. "Preventing and combating terrorism is a shared responsibility of the international community," Zhao said, calling for deeper practical counterterrorism cooperation among countries.

He proposed upholding multilateralism to build consensus and strengthening exchanges to enhance operational capabilities. He also urged leveraging digital intelligence technologies to address emerging threats and pursuing both immediate and long-term solutions to tackle the root causes of terrorism.

Representatives at the forum highlighted the growing challenges posed by new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles, in counterterrorism efforts.

Lieutenant General Anzor Chubinidze, head of Georgia's Special State Protection Service, said the concept of security has evolved, with cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure becoming increasingly important.

He called for stronger international collaboration to address emerging security challenges.

Colonel General Bakhodir Tashmatov, commander of Uzbekistan's National Guard, said the development of social media and AI has created new opportunities for terrorist organizations.

"Modern security threats do not stop at national borders," he said. Countries should not only exchange information, but also establish mechanisms for regular operations and share both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, he added.

Peng Jijun, secretary-general of the forum's organizing committee, said terrorism in the AI era is characterized by global reach, systemic risks and interconnected threats. He noted that countries face significant disparities in AI-based counterterrorism capabilities, with many lacking sufficient technological resources and expertise.

Peng called for stronger technological assistance, faster development of counterterrorism identification standards suited to the AI era, the establishment of mechanisms for cross-border intelligence sharing, online risk monitoring and coordinated responses to terrorist incidents.

Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, said China could contribute solutions to counterterrorism challenges involving UAVs and AI.

"China is one of the safest countries in the world," Zhou said. "The challenge China faces is how to safeguard its overseas interests and carry out counterterrorism efforts abroad."

The Chinese People's Armed Police Force has established friendly collaboration with counterparts in more than 100 countries, conducting cooperation in various areas including counterterrorism forums, joint exercises and training, skills competitions and professional exchanges, making positive contributions to international counterterrorism efforts, according to Zhao.