The key to fighting terrorism is to remove its breeding ground, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

"Fighting the scourge of terrorism is the responsibility of every country. China has always been an active participant in international counter-terrorism cooperation," Wang said.

Wang made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

"To uproot terrorism, we must remove its breeding ground," Wang said. "We have to promote economic and social development, appropriately handle regional conflicts and advocate equal-footed dialogue among all civilizations, religions and ethnic groups."

The Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement is a clear and present threat to China's security, he said.