INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
The global landscape of terrorism in 2024 is characterized by the proliferation of transnational networks such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Although many view terrorist groups as relatively dormant, deaths caused by terrorism have increased this past year by 22% to 8,352, the highest level since 2017. Across the world, the Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates continue to remain the world’s deadliest terror group, but the epicenter of terrorism has shifted out of the Middle East into Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Affiliates of Al-Queda, including AQAP and al-Shabaab, operate in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, respectively, and extremist groups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, further complicate regional security dynamics​.
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The U.S. and China both hold significant power in shaping global counterterrorism efforts. While both nations recognize the threat posed by transnational terrorism, their approaches and geopolitical priorities often diverge, creating challenges for collaboration. Building a functionally cooperative counterterrorism framework between the U.S. and China requires prioritizing shared security objectives. Even while geopolitical rivalries persist, counterterrorism remains a potential area where bilateral engagement could yield significant global benefits​
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Despite China's guiding principle of non-intervention, the country has responded with a two-fold approach to increasing international terroristic threats: China endeavors to strengthen its domestic anti-terrorism efforts while also engaging in global counterterrorism efforts. As China's international influence grows, Chinese citizens, embassies, and Chinese peacekeepers within the United Nations have fallen victim to radical Islamist terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS. These incidents prompted China to take on a more active role in the 'global war against terror', aiming to balance counterterrorism with respect for sovereignty and the policy of non-intervention to protect its citizens, Chinese businesses, organizations, and state interests domestically and overseas. ​​China has been cautious about the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan and has so far not officially recognized it. The reason might be the Taliban's former relations with terrorist organizations — some of them may directly harm China's national security. China is committed to helping Pakistan ward off Baluchistan terrorists, especially to protect Chinese investment in the area.
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Across the Pacific Ocean, two decades following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. continues to combat terrorist threats from al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in South Asia, the Middle East, and both East and West Africa. Special operations forces are deployed in Syria and Iraq to disrupt ISIS remnants and prevent their resurgence, while in Africa, countering al-Shabaab in Somalia and jihadist expansion in the Sahel region is a priority. However, the U.S. is struggling to manage dwindling resources given to counterterrorism efforts. There are fewer resources to deal with transnational jihadist groups and expertise is being reallocated to China, Russia, and other great powers.
Taking into account the growing prevalence of global terrorist attacks in continents around the world, the need for targeted, cooperative, and effective counter-terrorism strategies are more needed than ever. The U.S. and China must expand and redefine their commitment to anti-terrorism efforts. Even when geopolitical interests do not align, the two countries must develop cross-national strategies that can make world regions safer. One way to successfully bridge this divide in interests is by utilizing the United Nations to facilitate joint counterterrorism efforts. For instance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an arm of the United Nations dedicated to resolving terrorism threats abroad. While the SCO is a general observer in the UN General Assembly, the UN, and the SCO have deepened their cooperation through summits and partnerships with major commissions like UNESCO and the United Nations Office Counter-Terrorism, and the organization has often met with major leaders from regions of interests like Pakistan. Finding direct or indirect ways — as in the case of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — of engaging in cooperative counterterrorism will allow both countries to not only approach terrorism on their own fronts but also promote peace in other regions of the world effectively as joint global superpowers.
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