'Ultimate human right is happy life': China's fight against terrorism

Editor's note: Qiao Basheng, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a researcher at the Research Center for External Publicity and Cultural Security, the School of National Security, the Human Rights Research Center, Northwest University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

On January 23, the State Council Information Office of China released a white paper titled "China's Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism," explaining the purpose of the Chinese government in regulating the exercise of power in counterterrorism work, protecting human rights under the law, and effectively safeguarding the people and national security.

Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity and the target of joint action by the international community. China's fight against terrorism and extremism is an important part of the same battle being waged by the international community; it is in line with the United Nations principles of combating terrorism and protecting basic human rights. While drawing on the experience of the international community, China has proceeded from its actual conditions to fight against terrorism and extremism.

The Chinese government prioritizes safeguarding the fundamental interests of all ethnic groups. Starting by addressing deep-seated problems, China has worked to explore effective and law-based approaches to protect people of all ethnic groups from the scourge of terrorism and extremism and identified successful experiences and effective measures.

In the past, a series of terrorist incidents occurred in China, which seriously disrupted the peaceful and united social order, and flagrantly trampled on basic human rights, including the right to life, health, and development.

In the face of terrorist atrocities, the Chinese government has launched preventive and punitive countermeasures under the law and perseveres with deterrence against terrorist forces, maximizing its efforts to protect basic human rights from terrorism and extremism.

At the same time, China has paid special attention to human rights protection in its counterterrorism efforts, preventing any violation of human rights caused by counterterrorist measures. To this end, the Chinese government has enhanced legislation on counterterrorism, carried out anti-terrorism activities, and punished terrorist acts in accordance with the law. It has made every effort to ensure that its counterterrorism measures do not infringe on the basic rights, interests, and freedoms of the people of all ethnic groups in China as endowed by the law and that normal social order is maintained.

Counterterrorism does not target any specific region, ethnic group, or religion. It is stipulated in the Counterterrorism Law of the People's Republic of China that "In counterterrorism work, citizens' freedom in religious belief and ethnic customs shall be respected, and any discrimination based on regions, ethnic groups, religions, and other grounds shall be prohibited."

In the course of counterterrorism and de-extremism, the people of all ethnic groups in China have their freedom of religious belief fully protected. Citizens are entitled to choose to be religious believers or non-believers, and no organization or individual may force citizens to believe in a religion or not, nor discriminate against believers or non-believers.

Safeguarding and improving people's lives contributes to public well-being social harmony and stability. Some areas in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were severely disturbed by terrorism and the infiltration of religious extremism. For this reason, some people cannot speak, read, or write in standard Chinese, have a weak understanding of the rule of law, and have difficulty finding work due to a lack of employability skills. As a result, such people are more inclined to be incited or coerced into criminality by terrorist and extremist forces.

The in-depth implementation of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism work has resulted in social stability and continuous improvement of people's lives in Xinjiang, vigorously promoting all-round human development. The people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are leading a new life. More than ever before, ethnic groups in Xinjiang are united and live in harmony, and public support for counterterrorism, maintenance of stability, and de-extremism is increasing. The people of Xinjiang are full of hope for a better future.

The fight against terrorism and extremism is the common responsibility of the international community and essential to the protection of human rights. China has realized the coordination and unification of its own anti-terrorism legal system and international anti-terrorism principles. Under the guidance of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is ready to participate in global counterterrorism governance and, based on equality and respect, carry out extensive mutual learning exchanges and cooperation, and jointly promote the sound development of the global counterterrorism cause.

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