Last week's terrorist attack in the Xin-jiang Uygur autonomous region is ready proof that the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism have once again raised their ugly heads in the region.

Terrorism is not a homegrown problem in Xinjiang, and there has been concern about foreign infiltration for years. Media reports offer clues that there was foreign involvement in the latest attack, so wider and more intensified international cooperation is undoubtedly needed to root out the three evils.

A member of the "East Turkistan" movement allegedly participated in last week's attack after returning from fighting in Syria. In recent years, Chinese national security authorities have repeatedly warned that the flow of "East Turkistan" members from outside the country to Xinjiang posed a threat to local stability.

This is no longer a future scenario to be feared, it is a clear and present danger. Considering the anti-humanity nature of terrorist activities and their destabilizing impact on local communities and the lives of residents, the response has to be resolute and ruthless.

China's fight against the three evil forces in the area contributes to the global anti-terrorism efforts. But given the complexity of the challenge, it will be difficult to win the fight single-handedly.

It was encouraging then to hear Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying say on Monday that the country is stepping up cooperation with other countries in cracking down on terrorist organizations.

China has been actively pushing for broader cooperation with other countries in the fight against terrorism. The country's top legislature on Saturday adopted two pacts on anti-terrorism cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organization members, providing a legal basis for promoting cooperation to fight the three evil forces as well as protecting regional peace, security and stability within the organization.

Driven by the common need to curb the three evil forces and their joint commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability, the members of the SCO have conducted annual joint anti-terrorism drills in recent years. The SCO anti-terror mechanisms deserve a more prominent role in addressing terrorist threats in the member countries.

China's efforts to combat terrorism should at the same time enlist broader international support in dealing with such a global scourge. Those in favor of a chaotic China may never stop demonizing its anti-terror actions. But with or without their endorsement, the country must press ahead with the fight against the three evil forces.