Amid reports that the resolution to declare Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a “global terrorist” would come up in the UN Security Council on March 13, China on Monday said “a responsible solution” can only come through discussions.
Beijing also said security issues constituted an”important topic” in its talks to ease tensions between Pakistan andIndia following the Pulwama attack.
The US, the UK and France had moved a proposal at the UnitedNations Security Council (UNSC) after the Pulwama terrorist attack to designatethe chief of Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) which claimed responsibility for thePulwama attack, as a “global terrorist”.
According to reports the resolution was expected to be takenby the 1267 committee of the UNSC on March 13. China, which has blocked threetimes such moves by India and other members of the UNSC, is yet announce itsstand.
Asked about India’s appeal and China’s stand on the issue,Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here, “First I wouldlike to say that the UNSC as a main body of the UN has strict standards andrules of procedures. Some reports have knowledge of inside information the UNSC.I don’t know that can be counted as an evidence,” he said.
“China’s position on the designation of a terrorist bythe 1267 Sanctions Committee is consistent and clear. China adopted aresponsible attitude, follows the rules of the procedure of the committee andparticipated in the discussions in a responsible manner. Only throughdiscussions can we come up with a responsible solution,” he said.
Recently Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyoutravelled to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and Armychief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and other officials.
India on Saturday said all the UNSC members were aware ofthe JeM training camps and the presence of Azhar in Pakistan, and urged thenations to designate him as a global terrorist.
To another question whether Azhar’s ban issue figured inChina’s talks with Pakistan, Lu said “recently India and Pakistan hasexperienced a lot. We think those indents are not in the interest of peace andstability in the region”.
“We have engaged in mediation efforts with both sides and held talks to promote the easing of tensions. We made enormous efforts. While exchanging ideas security is an important topic and I can say that our talks were wide ranging quite deep,” he said.