Beijing, Nov 16: China on Monday evaded a direct response to Pakistan’s allegations that India was behind some of the terror attacks in that country, as Beijing put the onus of providing effective security for the USD 60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Islamabad.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here that “China opposes all forms of terrorism and calls on the international community, especially regional countries, to cooperate in fighting terrorism and safeguard collective security.”
The CPEC connecting China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan is an “important pioneering project of the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative,” Zhao said in response to a question on Pakistan’s claims that India was behind some of the terror attacks in that country, including causing disruption to the CPEC projects.
India on Sunday mounted a hard-hitting attack on Pakistan for accusing it of involvement in some of the terror strikes in that country and said the so-called claims of ‘proof’ are figments of imagination.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Pakistan’s “desperate attempt” will find few takers as the international community is aware of its tactics, and proof of Islamabad’s terror sponsorship has been admitted by none other than its “own leadership”.
“This is yet another futile anti-India propaganda exercise. The so-called claims of ‘proof’ against India enjoy no credibility, are fabricated and represent figments of imagination,” Srivastava said in response to media queries on the allegations.
Responding to another question, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said:
“It (CPEC) is important for the common development of China and Pakistan, it’s also beneficial to regional connectivity and common prosperity.
“We are confident that with the support of the international community, China and Pakistan can ensure the success of CPEC. We also believe that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety, security of the CPEC.” (PTI)