China on Thursday utilised its veto power to strike down the US-backed proposal to declare JeM chief Masood Azhar a ‘global terrorist’. Responding to the veto, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that it was ‘deeply disappointed’ by China’s decision.
The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that China's decison to block consensus should not be seen as end of the fight against terror, reported PTI.
The MEA declared that it will not impact their resolve to fight terror.
China, on 30 October, had hinted at blocking a bid by the US, France and the UK to list Pakistan-based JeM chief and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, harping on its familiar stand that there was no consensus among Security Council members.
China had, in August, extended by three months its technical hold on the proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) founder Azhar as a global terrorist after having blocked the move in February this year at the United Nations.
Replying to questions whether China will block the ban on Azhar again when the 1267 Committee of the UNSC takes up the issue on 2 November, Hua said "as for listing application by the relevant country, there are disagreements".
China's latest hold is due to lapse on Thursday, 2 November.
Hua said that China had put a technical hold to allow for more time for more parties to deliberate on this matter.
On China's repeated actions defending Azhar, who is accused of masterminding the terror attack on Pathankot airbase in January 2016, Hua said that actions are meant to ensure the authority and efficacy of the UN Committee.
“It is in accordance with the resolutions and rules of procedure of the Committee. We will remain in constant touch and coordination with the relevant parties on the resolution and rules of procedure of the Committee,” Hua said.
Asked if China is resorting to block the move repeatedly at the behest of Pakistan, Hua said: "We believe that the Committee should follow the principles of objectivity, professionalism and fairness and reach decision by a consensus based on solid proof".
As for listing application by the relevant country, there are disagreements, she said, adding that China's technical holds are meant to allow for more time for more parties to deliberate on this matter".
Hua also defended Pakistan's track record on terrorism, saying that Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and China supports Islamabad in countering terrorism in accordance with its own national conditions.
A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's move to put a ban on the JeM terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.
China views Pakistan as its all-weather friend and has been backing its bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
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