China has warned the United Nations Security Council that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and other militant groups operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to regional security, urging the Taliban to intensify counterterrorism efforts and prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism.
Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on global terrorism, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, said terrorist groups in Afghanistan continue to strengthen their operational capabilities despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
His remarks followed the release of the UN Secretary-General’s latest strategic report, which concluded that ISIS-K retains the capability to carry out attacks beyond Afghanistan and is rebuilding its capacity for high-profile external operations despite sustained pressure from the Taliban and regional security forces.
Sun called on the Taliban authorities to honour their international counterterrorism commitments by taking decisive action against all militant organisations, including groups and individuals designated under the UN Security Council’s sanctions regime established by Resolution 1267.
“Afghanistan must not once again become a safe haven for international terrorist organisations,” he said.
The Chinese diplomat argued that long-term stability also depends on economic recovery, saying humanitarian assistance, development and improved livelihoods are essential to reducing the conditions that fuel extremism. He encouraged greater regional cooperation involving Afghanistan, Central Asian states and organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Sun also warned that terrorist organisations are increasingly exploiting emerging technologies; including artificial intelligence, drones, encrypted communications and digital financial systems to recruit supporters, spread propaganda, finance operations and plan attacks. He called for stronger international cooperation to prevent the misuse of such technologies.
China further urged the Security Council to make greater use of existing sanctions mechanisms and reiterated its proposal to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade under the UN sanctions framework, saying such measures would strengthen international counterterrorism efforts.
The Chinese representative also condemned a recent suicide bombing in Pakistan and called on the international community to support Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, describing terrorism as an evolving global threat requiring coordinated international action.
The Security Council meeting comes amid growing international concern over ISIS-K’s ability to inspire and coordinate attacks beyond Afghanistan, with UN officials warning that the group’s regional networks remain active despite military setbacks inside the country.
