"Terrorism, no matter where it occurs or what form it takes, is a common threat to the whole mankind," Chinese President Jiang Zemin told the meeting, adding that the international community must work together to meet the challenges.
　　"If allowed to run amuck, that scourge will make peace and security impossible, and economic development out of the question," Jiang said.

　　When APEC leaders met in Shanghai last year just one month after the September 11 attacks on the United States, they issued ajoint anti-terror statement. That meeting was "a good, solid beginning," Jiang said.

　　"China is a victim of terrorism," Jiang said. "We strongly condemn and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations."

　　According to the Chinese president, China has agreed to join the Container Security Initiative and welcomes such initiatives as the "Secure Trade in the APEC Region." China "will continue to firmly support and vigorously participate in the international counter-terrorism cooperation."

　　Secure Trade in the APEC Region or STAR initiative, which the US proposed on Thursday at the ministerial meeting, provides safety measures for movement of goods and people in the region.

　　Jiang said APEC should strengthen cooperation in tightening port and transport security, toughen measures against terrorist network financing and crack down on Internet crimes, in a bid to create an environment of peace and security for the economic development and prosperity of APEC members.