Pakistan Has Made “Huge Efforts” in Fighting Terrorism, Says China

The statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi branded Pakistan a “mother-ship of terrorism”.

Prime Minster Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Leader’s Meeting. (Photo: AP)

China sprang to long-time ally Pakistan's defence on Monday after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi branded Pakistan a "mother-ship of terrorism" at a summit of BRICS nations.

Modi's remarks to a meeting of leaders from BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – escalated his diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about Modi's comments, said China opposed all forms of terrorism and that the international community should increase counter-terrorism cooperation.

"We also oppose the linking of terrorism to any specific country, ethnicity or religion. This is China's consistent position," she told a daily news briefing in Beijing.

Everyone knows that India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism. Pakistan has made huge efforts and great sacrifices in fighting terrorism. I think the international community should respect this.

Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have been running high since the 18 September attack on the army base in Kashmir’s Uri that killed 19 Indian soldiers.