Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Thursday addressed a UN Security Council briefing on Syria, calling for heightened vigilance against the resurgence of terrorist forces entrenched in the West Asian country.

Fu expressed grave concern over growing terrorist activity in Syria, citing reports that foreign terrorist fighters played a key role in recent violent incidents in Syria's western coastal region and the southern city of Suwayda. "Continued tolerance of terrorism will only bring greater harm to Syria and other countries in the region," he warned.

China urged the Syrian interim authorities to take robust measures to crack down on all terrorist groups designated by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement. Fu emphasized that the Security Council's sanctions regime is intended to target terrorist groups operating in Syria and safeguard regional peace and security.

Regarding potential adjustments to sanctions, Fu stressed the need for a cautious and well-researched approach. He said that any decisions should take into account Syria's counterterrorism and security situation, the capacity of the interim authorities and the broader implications of changes to avoid emboldening terrorist elements.

Fu also noted that Syria remains at a critical juncture. Helping the country achieve a political transition and restore peace and stability is a shared goal of the international community. China supports the Syrian interim authorities in continuing inclusive dialogue and promoting a political process in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254.

He urged Syrian authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all Syrians and to release findings of the investigation into the coastal violence as soon as possible. He also called for a transparent and responsible inquiry into the Suwayda incident and for all Syrian parties to work together to maintain stability and avoid further conflict.

Reiterating China's consistent position, Fu stated that Syria's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be fully respected. "Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights is entirely illegitimate," he said, adding that unauthorized foreign troops should not be stationed in the disengagement zone between Syria and Israel. He called for the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force, as authorized by the Security Council, to be fully respected and upheld.

(Cover: Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East situation at the UN headquarters in New York, U.S., August 10, 2025./ VCG)