China condemns and opposes terrorism in all forms, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Thursday.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remarks in meeting with foreign participants of the International Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Situation and Cooperation.

Cao called terrorism "the enemy of human beings, which threatens world peace and security".

The new security concept featuring peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation is the guiding principle of China in the fight and international cooperation against terrorism, he said, stressing that double standards in the fight against terrorism should be prohibited.

Combat against terrorism cannot solely rely on military means and it also requires comprehensive means, he said, adding that the leading role of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism is needed.

He said China, as a responsible member of the international community, is ready to make active efforts in safeguarding world security and prosperity.

The three-day symposium was jointly sponsored by the China Institute for International Strategic Studies and the Hotung Institute for International Relations.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2004)