CHINA, February 17: Beijing cannot support sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar because New Delhi is not providing any “solid evidence”, China said on Friday ahead of next week’s strategic dialogue between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said the country’s stance to block India’s move to ban Azhar under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 is based on impartiality and the “merits of the case”, according to a report by Press Trust of India. “China upholds the principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism and takes part in relevant discussions. Whether last year’s application by India (against Azhar) or this year’s by relevant country, our position is consistent,” Geng said. “Our criteria is only one item – we need solid evidence. If there is solid evidence, the application can be moved. If there is no solid evidence, there is hardly a consensus.”
“On Resolution 1267, the latest development is that the relevant countries have filed another application with the committee. The relevant members of the committee are in consultation and the relevant parties have failed to reach consensus so far,” Geng added.
He emphasised that China’s position on the matter does not proceed from the relations between the two countries. – Agencies
