CPEC not targeted at third party: China

China has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a new cooperation framework set by China and Pakistan to achieve sustained development of bilateral cooperation across the board and is not targeted at any third party. Addressing a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the CPEC would help enhance regional connectivity and uphold regional peace, stability and development. The spokesperson said the CPEC was an important consensus reached by the Chinese and Pakistani governments and was of great significance in enhancing bilateral connectivity and fostering pragmatic economic and trade cooperation.

“China and Pakistan have put in place a sound mechanism of communication and coordination on the development of CPEC; relevant projects are running well, and the Corridor is being comprehensively implemented. We are willing to join hands with Pakistan to make continuous headway on the CPEC and deliver benefits to the people at an early date” added Chunying. In reply to a question, she said China held a consistent and clear position on the Kashmir issue. “We believe it is a historical left-over issue between India and Pakistan and should be properly settled between the two countries through dialogue and consultation. “China’s position on the CPEC will not affect where we stand on the Kashmir issue”, added the spokesperson.