China Vows ‘Enhanced Cooperation’ with Russia Against Terror

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Monday his nation would work to take on a broader role in the international war against terrorism, promising Russian President Vladimir Putin China would be at his disposal to aid in anti-terror efforts. Russia has deeply involved itself in the Syrian civil war on the side of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

 

The meeting between the two heads of state occurred on Monday, as they were in attendance at the international climate change summit in Paris. Chinese state news outlet Xinhua reports that their meeting focused largely on the fight against radical Islam, particularly the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Middle East. “Xi said against the backdrop that tremendous changes have taken place in global anti-terrorism situation, China stands ready to work with the international community, including Russia, to combat terrorism and uphold the common interest of the world,” China reports. The “international community” remark leaves the door open for China to work with other nations involved in hostilities in Syria and Iraq as well as other nations struggling to curb radical jihadist ideology.

 

The Xinhua report does not explicitly single out radical Islam, however. It notes that Putin responded to Xi’s offer of cooperation by saying “Russia would like to work with China to enhance cooperation in such areas as anti-terrorism, and adamantly promote democracy in international relations.”

 

While the article did not mention any specific terrorist threats, both nations are facing significant recruitment of their citizens by the Islamic State, Russia in the Muslim-majority population of Chechnya and China in western Xinjiang province, home to most of the nation’s Muslim Uyghurs.

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