Senior Colonel Guo Xinning Deputy Commandant, CDS, NDU Challenges and Dilemmas; National Perspectives - East Asia (Chinese Perspective) Senior Colonel Guo Xinning Deputy Commandant, CDS, NDU

Violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts. ---Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

Since entering 21st Century, international terrorism and violent extremism have gone rampant, seriously endangering human-being and social order, posing threats to international peace and stability, and thus becoming a common enemy of the international society. Enhanced international cooperation against violent extremism is the appeal of the times and an important way to maintain international peace, security and stability.

I. Main features in global violent extremism Extremism is neither a phenomenon that is peculiar to a certain religion or a certain country, nor one that only occurs to contemporary world. Violent extremism is closely associated with terrorism. Some international observers believe that violent extremism certainly runs into the realm of terrorism while extremism does not.

I. Main features in global violent extremism A. Repellent in objectives. B. Expansionary in development. C. Random choice of targets and means. D. Correlative in actions. E. Uncompromisable in position.

II. Challenges and obstacles in countering violent extremism The international society has made relentless efforts in containing the spread of violent extremism. Countries in the world have implemented individually or jointly actions. In January 2016, UN Secretary General Ki-moon submitted to the General Assembly Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, in which recommendations on preventing violent extremism were proposed. But yet, the fight against violent extremism, to a fairly large extent, is a systematic work in which new phenomenon and new development constantly appear. The efforts or measures adopted by individual nations or joint efforts under the framework of the UN or regional organizations have shown their constraints.

II. Challenges and obstacles in countering violent extremism A. Complicating roots B. Different definitions or understandings. C. Conflicting geostrategic interests among nations. D. Double stands.

III. China and international cooperation against violent extremism As compared to other regions in the world, there are very few violent extremist groups in East Asia. The notorious groups include Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese doomsday cult, and east Turkestan extremist and separatist groups that have been active in Central Asia.

Aum Shinrikyo is a Japanese doomsdaycult founded by Shoko Asahara in 1984. At its peak point of development, it has more than 9,000 Japanese members and 40,000 foreign followers. After its founding, Aum Shinrikyo began to engage in a series of crimes and terrorist activities. On 20 March 1995, Aum members released sarin in a coordinated attack on five trains in the Tokyo subway system, killing 13 commuters, seriously injuring 54 and affecting 980 more.

China has been most affected victim of terrorism and violent extremism in East Asia. The most notorious groups are east Turkestan separatist forces as represented by East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The forces have been spreading violent extremist doctrines and committing terrorist crimes, seriously undermining the security of China and Central Asian countries.

III. China and international cooperation against violent extremism First, avoiding double standards and selectiveness. Second, prevention first, seeking both temporary and permanent solution. Third, give full play to the coordinating and leading role of the UN and regional organizations. Fourth, promote stability in relevant regions. Fifth, enhance dialogue and communication to build trust and confidence among nations.

“The future will be bright but the road to the future will zigzag” “The future will be bright but the road to the future will zigzag”. It will be the same with the process of international efforts against violent extremism. The future of international peace and stability will come after painstaking efforts to overcome various difficulties and obstacles.

Thanks for your attention!