The International Seminar on Counter-Terrorism 2026 kicked off in Yining, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Tuesday. Around 100 participants, including officials and scholars, gathered from 24 countries and regional organizations. Notable attendees represented the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia, and the African Union. The event aimed to address the evolving landscape of terrorism and foster collaborative responses.
Organized by Xinjiang's foreign affairs office, the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the World Muslim Communities Council, the seminar received backing from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Xinjiang regional government. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing global counterterrorism strategies through state and academic partnerships.
Zhai Jun, a special envoy of the Chinese government for Middle East affairs, outlined the rising challenges in global terrorism. He noted that terrorist activities are increasing and becoming more complex, with groups adopting advanced technologies and organized methods. Regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia have seen the most severe impacts, with countries in the Global South facing growing threats and pressure.
According to Zhai, effective counterterrorism must align with larger initiatives, such as reducing conflicts, addressing poverty, and bridging civilizational divides. He emphasized the central coordinating role of the United Nations in this effort. China, he said, is already contributing to global counterterrorism through public goods and will continue to do so.
Xinjiang's Role and Cooperation
Xu Guixiang, a senior official in Xinjiang's foreign affairs office, highlighted the region's history of facing frequent terrorist attacks. However, due to sustained efforts over nearly a decade, Xinjiang has achieved significant stability. Despite this progress, he warned that foreign terrorist forces are still attempting to infiltrate through online platforms and cross-border activities.
Xu affirmed Xinjiang's continued commitment to eradicating terrorist plots in line with the law. The region will also adapt its security strategies to maintain a balance between public convenience and stability. As part of its broader approach, Xinjiang plans to strengthen international cooperation through mechanisms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the China-Central Asia framework, focusing on areas such as risk assessment, cyber governance, and coordinated operations.
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the UAE's Defense Affairs, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee, described terrorism as a common threat to humanity. He stressed the need for collective action, combining financial, political, military, educational, and ideological efforts. Al Nuaimi noted that both China and the UAE have advanced measures to tackle the root causes of terrorism, using a holistic, prevention-focused strategy aligned with international law. He also emphasized the role of education in fostering coexistence, peace, and a strong national identity.
Drawing from his experiences visiting Xinjiang, Al Nuaimi acknowledged the active participation of government bodies and local communities in countering extremist activities. He praised Xinjiang’s efforts to protect security and promote prosperity at all levels. His remarks reinforced the importance of international unity in confronting terrorism, as no single nation can overcome the challenge alone.