<h3 data-start="202" data-end="298">China Urges Regional Unity After US Labels TRF as Terror Group Linked to Pahalgam Attack</h3>
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In a cautiously worded response to the United States' decision to designate The Resistance Front (<a title="Terrorism" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/us-declares-trf-a-global-terror-threat/16534" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TRF</a>) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), <a title="China Pakistan" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/geo-politics/china-backs-pakistan-over-pahalgam-terror-probe/10288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China</a> has urged neighbouring countries to deepen their counterterrorism collaboration to safeguard peace and stability across the region.
TRF, widely regarded as a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), has been held responsible by Washington for orchestrating the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. The incident, which drew widespread international condemnation, claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians and sent ripples across South Asia&rsquo;s security landscape.
During a regular media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed questions surrounding Washington&rsquo;s move. &ldquo;China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22,&rdquo; Lin stated, referencing the Pahalgam massacre.
While refraining from direct criticism or endorsement of the US move, Lin called on regional players&mdash;including Pakistan and India&mdash;to step up their cooperation against terrorism. &ldquo;China calls on regional countries to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and jointly maintain regional security and stability,&rdquo; he added.
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This comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally announced the designation of TRF under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, marking it both as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The action, which amends the existing listing of LeT, is set to take effect upon publication in the Federal Register.
Rubio's statement described the move as part of the Trump administration&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering commitment&rdquo; to fighting terrorism and bringing justice to the victims of the April attack. &ldquo;These actions...demonstrate the Trump Administration's commitment to protecting our national security interests,&rdquo; the statement read, underscoring the White House&rsquo;s broader strategic posture on terrorism in South Asia.
Interestingly, China&rsquo;s response&mdash;though measured&mdash;did not explicitly oppose the US action. Instead, the Chinese Foreign Ministry subtly acknowledged Washington&rsquo;s role in combating terror. Diplomatic analysts suggest this may indicate a softening of Beijing&rsquo;s previously firm stance in defence of its strategic ally, Pakistan, particularly when cross-border militancy affects wider regional stability.
The designation of TRF and its associated aliases under LeT&rsquo;s terror listing not only expands Washington&rsquo;s sanctions net but may also compel further diplomatic and security recalibrations in South Asia. While India has welcomed the move, Islamabad has remained tight-lipped on the development.
China&rsquo;s focus on regional solidarity, rather than defence of specific actors, may signal a shift in how Beijing positions itself amid increasingly complex South Asian security dynamics.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

Beijing backs regional security call after US tags TRF, LeT proxy, as terrorist outfit

China urges unity after US terror designation

Beijing backs regional security call after US tags TRF, LeT proxy, as terrorist outfit

July 19, 2025 | 16:09 IST