(Beijing – MFA): – Spokesman Geng Shuang of Chinese Foreign Ministry conducted a media briefing and discussed Pakistan China Relations today 30 April 2019
Q: Pakistani Prime minister Imran Khan attended the second BRI in China. This is only less than half a year away from his last visit to China in November last year. What your comment on high level exchanges between China and Pakistan?
A: As you said, several days ago, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended the second BRF in China. He met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Vice President Wang Qishan. Both sides signed many bilateral cooperation documents. The relevant press releases are available online. I would like to stress that Pakistan is China’s All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner. To borrow Prime Minister Imran Khan’s words, our two countries are Iron Brothers. We firmly support each other on the issues concerning our core interests. Pakistan is always one of China’s diplomatic priorities. No matter how the international and regional situation may evolve, we firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity, independently choosing its development path based on its own conditions, securing a sound external environment and playing a constructive role in international and regional affairs. We commend the Pakistani government’s and people’s efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism and their great endeavours and sacrifices to this end. We call on the international community to fairly and justly see Pakistan’s endeavours and contributions in counter terrorism and step up dialogue and cooperation with the country. We will continue to deepen our high level exchanges and support each other and step up strategic coordination, make more coordinated efforts in international and regional affairs and deepen our all weather strategic cooperation.
Indian media questions
Q: It’s been reported in the media for the past two days that China is likely to lift the technical hold on the resolution seeking to blacklist Pakistan based terrorist Masood Azhar. Is that true? Thank you.
A :Regarding the listing issue in the 1267 Committee, we have expressed our position many times and I just want to stress two points. First, we support the listing issue being settled within the 1267 committee through dialogue and consultation and I believe this is the consensus of most members. Second, the relevant consultations are going on within the committee and has achieved some progress. Third, I believe, with the joint efforts of all parties, this issue can be properly resolved.
Follow-up: To the earlier question on Masood Azhar, there is a specific report which states that China is likely to lift the technical hold on Masood Azhar on May 1. Can you confirm that?
A: We have fully expressed our position on this. China is in contact with all relevant parties on this issue and we will continue to engage in the discussion and review of this issue in a constructive manner. I believe with the joint efforts of our parties, this issue can be properly resolved.
Follow-up: Further to what you said about this 1267 Committee and Azhar’s issue, India has also provided evidence, what it has forwarded, what is the technical evidence regarding the involvement of this particular group Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pulwama terrorist attack in February. So considering that you say that both sides are in consultation, further to what has already been submitted to China, so is there some positive momentum (that) can be expected based on that? And the talks that the Foreign Secretary recently held with the Foreign Minister on this issue.
A: Regarding the Indian Foreign Secretary’s visit to China, I briefed this in the press conference before, so I won’t repeat it here. On the listing issue, China is still working with the relevant parties and we are in contact with all relevant parties within the 1267 Committee and I believe with the joint efforts of all parties, this will be properly resolved.
Follow-up: Can we expect this to be resolved tomorrow?
A: I can only say that I believe that this will be properly resolved.
