BEIJING – China Wednesday castigate another bid by the US to get Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar designated as Global Terrorist through its resolution at the UNSC backed by its allies, terming the move a “bad precedent” that would “only complicates the issue”.
“The US action is not consistent with UN rules and customary practice. It is setting a bad precedent and only complicates the issue. It is not conducive to peace and stability in South Asia. China will continue to adopt a constructive and responsible attitude to participate in discussions and deliberations on the designation issue. We hope there will be a proper solution to this issue,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shung while addressing media briefing here.
The spokesman was responding to a question about the US move on March 27 of circulating a draft resolution to the powerful 15-nation Council to blacklist Masood Azhar and subject him to a travel ban, an assets freeze and an arms embargo.
Geng said China of late has repeatedly stated its position on the Masood Azhar designation issue and it hopes relevant sides will meet each other half way and continue to properly handle this issue under the framework of the 1267 committee last week security council members exchanged views on the US proposed draft resolution.
“A vast majority believes that efforts should be made under the 1267 committee to solve this designation through dialogue and consultation instead of pushing the draft resolution at the (UN) Security Council. Also China has been working hard with relevant sides and is making positive results. The US knows that very well. Under such circumstances the US still insists on pushing the draft resolution, doesn’t make any sense,” he said and added that China will continue to adopt a responsible and constructive attitude to participate in consultations and deliberations and we hope this issue will finally be resolved properly.
The spokesman was also asked to comment over the a statement by an Indian retired general who has served as corps commander in Indian occupied Kashmir, telling a seminar in UK said that Pulwama incident was inevitable because of Indian govt policies in occupied Kashmir. “On the recent incident in Kashmir, China has a stated its position. We hope South Asia could maintain peace and stability and we hope India and Pakistan will engage in dialogue and would resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and consultation.
Responding to another question about US participation in upcoming second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation being held from April 25-27 in Beijing, Geng Shuang said the United States is yet to confirm its participation in the Forum.
US yet to decided on attending BR Forum
“It is the U.S. side that should be asked this question, if they have made a decision,” said Geng, adding that representatives from over 100 countries, including nearly 40 foreign leaders, have confirmed their participation.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is about economic cooperation and its spirit is open, inclusive and transparent, Geng said.
China always welcomes like-minded countries and parties to participate in the initiative, boost win-win cooperation, and achieve more tangible outcomes, he added.
China is currently stepping up preparations for the second forum, Geng noted, adding that China as a host country has the confidence to run this forum well.
The BRI has gained active response and participation since it was announced; more than 150 countries and international organizations have signed cooperation agreements with China.
