On December 22, 2021, the second International Seminar on Counterterrorism, with the theme of "New Situation, New Threats, New Challenges to Counterterrorism and New Joint Response Measures", was held both online and offline. Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech (full text released separately). Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Vladimirovich Syromolotov, Chairman of UAE International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, and Additional Secretary of the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nabeel Munir delivered video speeches at the opening ceremony.

Wu Jianghao said, the year 2021 has witnessed major changes in the international counterterrorism landscape and the resurgence of international terrorist activities. The evolution of the Afghan situation has been complex and intricate. Terrorist groups including ISIS, Al-Qaeda and ETIM have been using the chaos in the region to expand their presence and stir up troubles. Out of their own political interests, certain countries have attempted to clean the name of ETIM. It is hoped that all countries will fully recognize the violent and terrorist nature of ETIM, and work with China to resolutely crack down on the group. A few countries have turned counterterrorism into a political tool, making groundless accusations against the legitimate counterterrorism and deradicalization measures taken by the international community. They have even exploited terrorist forces to advance their own geopolitical interests. The lessons of the boomerang effect are still fresh in memory, and must be learned by heart. China maintains that the international community should strengthen solidarity and join hands to combat terrorism. First, we need to foster the awareness of a community with a shared future. Second, we need to underscore the central role played by the UN. Third, we need to strengthen capacity building in developing countries. Fourth, we need to follow the principle of addressing both symptoms and root causes. Fifth, we need to tackle new terrorist threats and ideologies.

The participants agreed that terrorism is a common enemy of humanity and a major threat to world peace and security. The changes in the Afghan situation have complicated the regional and international counterterrorism situation, and the abuse of the Internet and emerging technologies by terrorist forces has become an increasingly acute problem. China has achieved positive outcomes in the field of counterterrorism and deradicalization, and is becoming an important force leading international counterterrorism cooperation in the right direction. The international community should deepen international counterterrorism cooperation and join hands to score the final victory in global counterterrorism.

The seminar was hosted by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and organized by the China Institute of International Studies. Officials, responsible officials of counter-terrorism agencies, and experts and scholars in the field of counterterrorism from 17 countries, including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt and Brazil, attended the conference via video link.