Calling for strong US-China anti-terrorism cooperation to fight the Islamic State terror group, President Barack Obama on Tuesday also denounced the violent acts of Xinjiang-based ETIM militant outfit, which he said must not be allowed to establish safe havens in the area.
In comments that could go down well with the Chinese leadership, Obama who is currently visiting China to take part in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, said as terrorism has become a global challenge, US opposed terrorism in all its forms and is willing to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with China on fighting the East and other issues.
Referring to recent acts by the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), including the knife attacks targeting passengers at a crowded railway station in Kunming city and various attacks in Xinjiang, Obama told state-run Xinhua news agency that he was appalled by these acts of terror, and extended deepest condolences and the sympathies of the American people to the victims and their families.