China justifies its stand on Masood Azhar, denies double standards

We take action based on solid evidence that is the standard upheld by us: Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang

January 05, 2017 03:50 pm | Updated 03:54 pm IST - BEIJING:

Indian activists carry placards of the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Maulana Masood Azhar, in Mumbai on January 4, 2016 during a protest against the attack on the air force base in Pathankot. China has justified its decision to block India’s move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist saying Beijing was acting in accordance with the guidelines of the 15-member 1267 counter-terrorism committee of the United Nations Security Council.

Indian activists carry placards of the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Maulana Masood Azhar, in Mumbai on January 4, 2016 during a protest against the attack on the air force base in Pathankot. China has justified its decision to block India’s move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist saying Beijing was acting in accordance with the guidelines of the 15-member 1267 counter-terrorism committee of the United Nations Security Council.

China on Thursday dismissed as “untrue” allegations of double standards by India by blocking its bid to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Masood Azhar as global terrorist by the United Nations, claiming that it had adopted a “just, objective and professional” attitude in deciding the matter.

“With regard to the listing matter of the security council 1267 committee, the so-called double standards adopted by China on this relevant issue is not true. We take action based on solid evidence that is the standard upheld by us,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing here.

Responding to remarks made by Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar on Azhar’s issue during the press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mr. Geng said, “We have taken a responsible and constructive part in relevant discussion in a professional and objective way.”

Members differ on issue

“Relevant members differed on this issue. The purpose of China to put forward technical hold on that issue is to create enough time for the committee and relevant parties to consult with each other on the relevant issue,” he said.

Mr. Akbar on Wednesday had said, “We really do expect China to hear the voice of the world, not just voice of India on terrorism.”

Referring to Pakistan’s support to terror, India also hoped that as a “responsible and a mature” nation, China will understand the “double standards” and “simply self-defeating and suicidal” approach of Islamabad to terrorism.

China was the only country among the 15-member 1267 counter terrorism committee of the United Nations Security Council which has objected to India’s application to list Azhar who is accused of masterminding the Pathankot terror attack.

China had put two technical holds on India’s move — first for six months followed by a second one for a period of three months ending December 31 — after which India has to file a fresh application to get the Pakistan-based Azhar listed as a terrorist by the U.N.

‘As per 1267 panel rules’

When pointed out that China was the only member among the 1267 committee members to have objected, Mr. Geng said: “Relevant attitude and action of China comply with the resolution of the UNSC and rules of procedure of the committee.”

“China takes a very objective and just and professional attitude on that. Up to now, the Committee is yet to come to an agreement on this issue and we would like stay in communication and coordination with all relevant parties, including India, on this,” he said.

The issue remained unresolved even after the two countries have held several rounds of talks on this issue.

Elaborating on China’s position, Mr. Geng said, “It is regrettable that an agreement is yet to be made. Relevant actions taken by China in the committee is to safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the committee.”

“It is out of the responsible attitude China will continue to stay in communication with all relevant parties including India in accordance with the security council resolution and rules of the procedures of the committee,” Geng said.

We are victims of terror

At the same time he said, “I also want to stress that both China and India are victims of terrorism. We have the same purpose and share the same goal on the issue of counter-terrorism and we hope to enhance cooperation and communication with the Indian side to uphold peace and security of the region.”

On the comments by Minister of State for External Affairs, General (retd.) V.K. Singh that India’s engagement with China under close developmental partnership continued to expand despite differences, Mr. Geng has said Beijing too wants to develop strategic partnership of cooperation with India.

“With regard to bilateral relationship with India, we all know that both China and India are major developing countries and emerging markets in the world,” he said.

“To build a more closely knit relationship for development serves the fundamental interest of the two countries and two peoples and it is also conducive to the stability of the region. We are also willing to develop strategic partnership of cooperation with India. This position remains unchanged,” he said.

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