Chinese Foreign Minister, Li Zhaoxing, said China will work closely with the member states of the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) to crack down on the rising terror threat in Central Asia.

"Terrorist activities were dealt with heavily in the region after Sept. 11 but they are now on the rise and threaten security and stability in the region," said Li in an interview with Russian media, which is posted on the Ministry's official website on Monday.

The SCO is the first international organization to grasp the flag which signifies that terrorism will be fought said Li. "It is the SCO's major roll to enhance security co-operation and create a secure environment for social and economic development," he added.

The SCO had done much to curb terrorism including enacting legal documents and holding joint exercises, Li said.

The SCO, established in 2001, groups Russia, China and four Central Asian states -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan—together. The SCO summit is scheduled for June in Shanghai.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2006)