COUNTER terrorism (CT) and de-radicalization is all about harmonious “codification” of national narrative, projection of soft image and wise political policies and China is the “real” champion of both the requisitions. Most recently published China’s State Council Information Office white paper titled “China’s Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism “vividly” reflects the strategic importance of the Chinese model of counter terrorism and de-radicalization. It also upholds China’s ancient wisdom to eradicate terrorism and dangerous tendencies through decency, development, diplomacy, determination and sensible legal measures.
China’s counter terrorism’s national “narrative” is law based national policy “combating” terrorism according to laws. There have been no violent terrorist incidents in many years, and the infiltration of religious extremism has been effectively curbed, ensuring the rights and interests of people from all ethnic groups, such as the right to life, health and freedom in China. It has “five keys,” “four prongs,” “three contingents,” “two hands,” and “one rule. Soft” measures such as economic development and “hard” measures such as “strike hard” are simultaneously adopted and implemented to combat terrorism.
Unfortunately, some countries badly violated basic human rights’ doctrines; rule of the law, true essence of international cooperation based on respect of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and interfered in others’ internal affairs by hyping so-called violation of human rights. Resultantly, these unilateral actions have severely hampered the global effort to fight against terrorism under the rule of law, weakened the foundations of cooperation and reduced operational effectiveness.
The Chinese model of the CT and de-radicalization provides detailed answers to several major issues in counter-terrorism, including the definition of terrorism, the criteria for identifying terrorist crimes, and the relationship between counter-terrorism and safeguarding human rights. This is a significant contribution to the global fight against terrorism. The China model of the CT negates all false and fake propaganda about the so-called Chinese whims & wishes based measures about the safety and security of the people especially the ethnic minorities.
It is holistic, comprehensive and logic based national strategies, combating terrorism by holding sagacity of law and neutrality of the judicial system having human face by discouraging naked use of force as commonly pursued by the western countries to neutralize forces of evils in their societies. It consist of five parts spanning of “An Improving Legal Framework for Counterterrorism,” “Clear Provisions for the Determination and Punishment of Terrorist Activities,” “Standardized Exercise of Power in Fighting Terrorism,” “Protection of Human Rights in Counterterrorism Practices” and “Effective Protection of People’s Safety and National Security” shows the Chinese humanistic spirits to initiative numerous counter terrorism measures without violating basic human rights and freedoms.
According to published figures (2024), Pakistani security forces have collectively conducted 13,135 intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators during which 249 terrorists were eliminated while 396 were arrested. Pakistan has also made great sacrifices as a front line state in the war against terrorism. It sacrificed more than 80000 people, 6500 soldiers and collateral damage of US$25 billion which vividly reflects its commitment towards regional peace and stability. The Chinese model rightly pinpoints that counterterrorism should be humanistic through the complete compliance with the norms and principles of the United Nations and adapt to their own national conditions and legal institutions should be essential part of the global efforts to combat terrorism under the rule of law.
In terms of strengthening external oversight, the Chinese model notes that the powers of law enforcement and judicial agencies are subject to external oversight from people’s congresses, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the public, as well as to statutory and internal oversight. China regards respecting and protecting human rights as an underlying principle in improving its legal framework and practices in the field of counterterrorism. In summary, interestingly the Chinese model of counter terrorism and de-radicalization represents salient features of Algerian, Bangladeshi, Indonesian, Saudi Arabian, Jordanian, Moroccan and Singaporean de-radicalization models but frankly speaking Chinese model is much superior in all aspects by completely relying of pure and simple human values, humanity, rule of law, protection & provision of human rights, formation of social nets, impartial judicial system and removing psychological, philosophical, geographical, geopolitical, ideological and religious barriers through cooperation, coordination, collaborating making bridges of consultations and consensus.
Simply, China’s counter-terrorism model operates in accordance with the law that not only respects and guarantees human rights in counter-terrorism, safeguards national security, public security, and the safety of people’s lives and property, but also makes contributions to global and regional security and stability. China has joined 12 global counterterrorism conventions and facilitated the formulation of documents such as the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Agreement on Border Defence Cooperation, playing an important role in maintaining international and regional security and stability.
It is suggested that there should be integrated policies and coordinated efforts to fight against social media/digital terrorism, cyber space/domain and artificial intelligence technologies to save our states, societies and systems ensuring peace, stability, and security. Harmony and global community with shared future. China’s counter terrorism is the best model which has no hide-out or hang-over of the past horrendous crimes against humanity or colossal collateral damages and destructions but brighter paths of conflict resolution through dialogue, diplomacy, development and determination resultantly achieved immense socio-economic prosperity and ethnic diversity in the country. It is indeed Magna Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the 21st century.
A Joint and hybrid security cooperation between Pakistan and China, information sharing, aerial surveillance, joint policing system and fencing wall should be pursued to eliminate menace of terrorism and genie of radicalization. The writer is President, Centre for South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) ([email protected])
—The writer is President, Centre for South Asia & International Studies.
