Hope India, Pak work jointly in SCO: China

BEIJING : China has said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation provides a framework for India and Pakistan to strengthen cooperation, expressing hope that the two countries will work together for regional peace.

The Chinese foreign ministry, in a written response to questions from HT, hoped the two sides would find a solution to the Kashmir issue through dialogue, indicating that discussions on it have no place in a forum like the SCO.

The ministry’s remarks came amid worries that inimical ties between India and Pakistan could fracture the unity of the bloc. The two neighbours were included in the now-eight-member grouping last year and will take part in its summit for the first time. PM Narendra Modi will attend the 18th SCO summit in Qingdao in China on June 9 -10.

China also indicated that India not supporting its Belt and Road Initiative will not be a problem in SCO, as the major infrastructure project matched the “strategies of various countries and regional cooperation initiatives”.

India is the only SCO country openly opposed to BRI, a multibillion dollar international connectivity project spearheaded by Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing sovereignty issues.

Experts have voiced concern that India and Pakistan could carry their baggage of hostility to the grouping. India could raise the issue of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan in turn could highlight the Kashmir dispute during the summit, damaging the picture of SCO unity, they said.

Chinese foreign ministry said: “China’s position on the Kashmir issue is consistent. This issue is a legacy one between Pakistan and India.” “Pakistan and India have formally joined the SCO and hope the two countries will strengthen ties within the framework of SCO and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability,” it said.

The ministry said, “China resolutely opposes terrorism in any forms and supports the international community in strengthening international counter-terrorism cooperation, forming a joint force, and working together to ensure security and stability regionally and globally.”