Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the occasion of the ASEM Seminar on Anti-Terrorism, I wish to extend my Government's warm welcome to all the participants here and our sincere congratulations to the Seminar.

The launch of ASEM represented a strategic choice made by Asia and Europe for increased exchanges and cooperation under the new international situation. In the past seven years, ASEM cooperation has deepened, broadened and enriched continuously in the three pillars of political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, and social and cultural exchanges. This facilitates the development of a new type of equal partnership between the two continents. Asia-Europe anti-terrorism cooperation is yet another example of stronger and more extensive bilateral partnership. China shares with the rest of the ASEM community a full commitment to the potential and future of this body. We will continue working tirelessly for even closer Asia-Europe cooperation.

A salient feature of the prevailing international situation is the obvious rise of the non-traditional security factors represented by terrorism. It constitutes a grave threat to peace and security not just in Asia and Europe but the world at large. Both living under the dark shadows of terrorism, Asian and European countries have a great deal of common understanding on ways to deal with the scourge. We all see terrorism as a threat and all feel the imperativeness to stop it of whatever form through closer international cooperation. We all call for the leading role of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism and the strict compliance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the recognized norms of international law. We all agree that terrorism should be completely uprooted through a comprehensive approach featuring political, economic, diplomatic and other means and efforts to address both the symptoms and root causes of the problem. We also believe that linking terrorism with any particular country, ethnic group or religion will be counter-productive; instead, we should recognize and respect the diversity of cultures and civilizations and go for enhanced mutual understanding through inter-civilization dialogues.

A year ago, ASEM IV adopted the ASEM Copenhagen Declaration on Cooperation Against International Terrorism, which included the short-, medium- and long-term action plans on counter-terrorism. Today, we are gathered in Beijing for the ASEM Seminar on Anti-Terrorism, where we share experience and look for better ways of cooperation. I am convinced that with the concerted efforts of all parties, this Seminar will surely enhance our cooperation against terrorism, maintain and promote our common security and development, consolidate and deepen our equal partnership.

As a victim of terrorism, China has firmly supported and actively participated in the international campaign against terrorism while pushing for the leading role of the UN in this regard. China has earnestly implemented the relevant Security Council resolutions and acceded to most counter-terrorism conventions. China has advocated vigorous regional anti-terrorism cooperation and conducted fruitful bilateral cooperation with countries concerned. China has also stepped up within our competent departments the crackdown on terrorism, including measures in legislation, aviation, finance, customs and other fields with a view to preventing terrorist incidents. China's efforts against terrorist forces have received understanding and support from the ASEM partners, for which I wish to express our gratitude. China is ready to join the other ASEM partners to strive for fresh progress in international struggle against terrorism.

In conclusion, let me wish the Seminar a complete success.

Thank you.