China says no discussion on Pak’s counter-terror record
BEIJING: China on Thursday ruled out any discussions on its ally Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen next week, saying it would not be a “appropriate” topic to be taken up .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be in Xiamen during September 3-5, is expected to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan in his speech at the summit and in bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We also noticed that India, when it comes to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism, has some concerns. I don’t think this is an appropriate topic to be discussed at the BRICS Summit,” foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press briefing.
“The world is paying great attention to the BRICS Summit. I hope relevant parties can work with China to ensure the success of the summit.”
Hua virtually repeated what she had said last year while reacting to Modi’s comments about Pakistan being the “mothership of terrorism”. China had then jumped to Pakistan’s defence.
During Thursday’s briefing, Hua said Pakistan has been at the “forefront of counter-terror efforts” and made sacrifices. The international community should recognise its contributions and sacrifices, she added.
“China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance our cooperation in counter-terrorism. This serves the common interest of all parties,” she said.