China backs Pakistan:

Subcontinent

Wang

Khan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated, during a meeting with Pakistani President Arif Alvi, support for Islamabad in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national dignity, said an official release.

President Alvi has stressed the need to resolve a humanitarian crisis in Indian administered Kashmir on an urgent basis as the lockdown of the valley entered its sixth week.

He said the curfew in Kashmir, affecting nine million people, should be lifted to allow the suppressed Kashmiri people to meet their very basic needs.

Both sides reiterated that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered a new phase of high-quality development and agreed to continue to firmly push forward the construction of all projects under it.

The statement came at a time when tension along the Pakistan-India border and Indian administered Kashmir has risen after the Indian government revoked disputed Kashmir’s special status with a presidential order last month.

The order revokes Article 370 of India’s Constitution, which gives the state of Jammu and Kashmir its own constitution and decision-making rights for all matters except for defense, communications and foreign affairs.

The visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad who briefed the Chinese Foreign Minister on the evolving situation in Indian administered Kashmir.

According to a press release by Prime Minister’s House, Khan stressed that in order to deepen strategic co-operation, Pakistan and China should continue their close coordination and consultation to ensure that peace and stability in the region is maintained.

Speaking on the occasion, Yi reiterated opposition to any unilateral action as well as the measures by India that could further complicate the situation. (KUNA)