Xi Jinping signals bigger role for China in global fight against terror
- Chinese president tells top officials to root out ‘poisonous thoughts of ethnic separatism and religious extremism’
- Warning is a rebuff to international allegations of human rights abuses, observers say
Wrapping the first conference of its kind in seven years, Xi told the attendees on Saturday to “firmly prevent major risks and hidden dangers in ethnic affairs”, according to state news agency Xinhua.
“[We] should hold the ground of ideology. [We] should actively and steadily address the ideological issues that involve ethnic factors, and continue to eradicate poisonous thoughts of ethnic separatism and religious extremism,” Xi was quoted as saying.
“International anti-terrorism cooperation should be also intensified, working with major countries, regions, international organisations and overseas Chinese ethnic minorities.”
Li Wei, a researcher with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said the warning meant China would ramp up its international efforts to combat terrorism.