China on Friday sidestepped a direct response to queries about its alleged role in blocking sanctions at the UN against the Jaish-e-Mohammad chief, Masood Azhar, who is accused by India of plotting the January attack on the Pathankot air force base.
“China opposes all forms of terrorism, supports the UN playing a central and coordinating role in global counter-terrorism cooperation, and plays an active part in this area,” said Hong Lei, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in response to a question.
Pakistan consultedEarlier, media reports had said China requested the UN Committee, which was considering a ban on Azhar, to hold the decision of listing the JEM chief under the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, hours before the inclusion deadline expired.
China had apparently taken the decision in “consultation” with Pakistan. “China deals with the listing matter of the 1267 Committee on the basis of facts and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and relevant rules of procedure,” Mr. Hong said.
“China remains in contact with all relevant parties on this matter.”
The 1267 Committee, also known as the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, is one of three Security Council committees dealing with counter-terrorism.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju warned on Friday that the government would take appropriate action in view of China’s move.
‘Not a good move’“What China has done [in the UN] was not good. The Ministry of External Affairs will take an appropriate action. Whatever action is required, we will take it,” he said.
The Hindu had earlier reported that Pakistan’s Joint Investigation Team probing the Pathankot terror attack told India’s National Investigation Agency that it had not found any evidence against Azhar linking him to the January 2 attack.
India has accused Azhar and his brother Abdul Asghar Rauf of being directly linked to the attack, planned at the JeM’s Bahawalpur headquarters. It has sought the voice samples of the brothers from Pakistan.
