Asked about China’s reported last minute move putting a technical hold on India’s submission which Indian officials say was armed with strong evidence of the JeM’s terror activities and its role in the Pathankot attack, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said here that China “supports UN playing a central and coordinating role in international cooperation against terrorism”.
“We always deal with the listing issue (banning militant groups and their leaders) under the UN Security Council committee established under resolution 1267 based on facts and relevant rules of procedures in an objective and just manner,” he said.
“The Chinese side has always been in communication with relevant parties on the listing issue,” he said hinting that China is also in touch with India on the issue.
The UN had banned the JeM in 2001 but India’s efforts for a ban on Azhar after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack also did not fructify as China, one of the five permanent members of the UN group with veto powers, didn’t allow the ban apparently at the behest of Pakistan again.
Stating that China is opposed to all forms of terrorism, Hong said “China has also taken active part in international counter terrorism corporation”.
“We believe that all parties should enhance communication communication in a bid to forge counter-terrorism synergy to work together with entire international community including India to jointly fight against the threat of terrorism and safeguard peace and stability of the region and beyond,” he said.
