China on Friday strongly defended Pakistan’s record in fighting terrorism, saying its all-weather ally has made “enormous efforts and sacrifices,” responding to calls from India and the United States that Islamabad must ensure that its territory not used for terrorist activities.
India and the US In a joint statement after the 17th meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group. Counter-Terrorism and the third session of the India-US Designations Dialogue. Held from September 9 to 10, they denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned the cross – Border Terrorism in all its forms.
New Delhi and Washington Islamabad to swiftly bring the perpetrators of terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attack on 11/26, and the attack on the Pathankot Air Base to justice.
When asked about his reaction, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian during a press conference here said that terrorism is a common challenge faced by all countries and Pakistan has made “enormous efforts and sacrifices. “in the fight against terrorism.
“The international community must fully recognize and respect it. China opposes all kinds of terrorism. All countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit undertake international cooperation against terrorism to jointly safeguard international peace and security, ”he said.
On the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Zhao said that the terrorist attack brought many challenges to global security.
“Now, the situation in the fight against terrorism remains dire and has posed risks for all countries,” he said.
“China opposes all kinds of terrorism and we believe that the UN should play a leading role and we oppose double standards in the fight against terrorism and we oppose the attempt to link terrorism to any specific country,” he said.
He stressed that all countries must work together to prevent and combat terrorism and safeguard world peace and stability.
“So on this very special day, I would like to say that we hope that the United States does not forget terrorism and Covid-19 are common enemies of all humanity. And China and Pakistan are not enemies of the United States, ”he said.
On the meeting between Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow on Thursday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), he said that Wang assured that China will continue to provide Pakistan with support. against the epidemic to Pakistan. completely overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
“China will like to work with Pakistan in advancing the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and greater agricultural cooperation, which will bring benefits to the people,” Zhao said.
India has opposed the $ 60 billion CPEC as it is being implemented through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“We believe that with the joint efforts of both parties, the corridor will play a more important role in the economic development and well-being of the people of Pakistan,” he said.
China will continue to work with Pakistan, firmly supporting each other on international multilateral occasions to uphold international fairness and justice, he said.
“Next year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. We will build on our friendship, plan for the future, and make further progress in our bilateral relations, ”Zhao said.
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