China stands firm with Africa in combating terrorism

Updated: 2014-05-18 17:05:52

(中国网)

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China stands ready to jointly face terrorism with Africa by ramping up its efforts helping countries in the continent build their capabilities in the fight against terror.

On Friday night, an unidentified armed group attacked a Chinese company's camp in northern Cameroon, leaving one Chinese national wounded and 10 others missing. This came around a month after Nigeria-based Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls and threatened to "sell them on the market."

Some say that Africa is turning into the new frontier for the global war on terror as several of its countries have seen major terrorist attacks in recent years.

But the fight against terrorism is a global task, which requires collective and coordinated action from the international community.

China, also a victim of terrorism, will continue to do what it can to provide support and assistance to African countries to jointly face the threat the terrorism brings not just to Africa, but the world.

During his four-nation Africa tour in early May, Chinese Premier Li Keqiangsaid that China stands ready to assist Africa's capacity-building in peace-keeping and counter-terrorism.

Li also visited Nigeria as scheduled despite the recent attacks in the country, offering assistance to help find the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno, on April 14.

The Chinese premier assured President Goodluck Jonathan that China will support Nigeria's fight in every possible way, including the training of military personnel for anti-insurgency operations.

Li also promised that China will make any useful information acquired by its satellites and intelligence services available to Nigeria's security agencies.

Taking advantage of the political and security turmoil in some parts of Africa, terrorist organizations are spreading their activities to the continent, trying to establish a new safe haven.

Africa needs help from the international community in dealing with this serious threat, as limited resources and capacity have become its biggest issues in combating terror.

China is ready to redouble its efforts helping African countries promote capacity-building in the justice and security sectors and strengthen the exchange of experience and information sharing.

The country can also effectively assist the continent by helping it address the root cause of terrorism, including poverty, widespread unemployment and the unequal distribution of economic resources.

Trade and economic ties between China and Africa are more intertwined and diversified than ever, and Chinese investment has created huge employment opportunities in Africa, playing a big role in improving people's livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Chinese premier pledged to further boost relations with Africa by upgrading bilateral economic and trade ties in a bid to benefit the peoples of both sides during his fruitful Africa tour.

China, an "all-weather" friend and partner of Africa, will stand firm together with the continent in face of the growing threat of terrorism, and make unremitting efforts to ensure continuous and effective assistance.