Days after BRICS declaration, China does about-turn on Pak terror
It's barely been five days since China joined other BRICS countries to condemn Pakistan-based terror groups in a declaration. Now, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has hailed the great sacrifices made by his country's "iron brother" Pakistan in fighting terror, adding that Islamabad has a "clear conscience." Wang's statement came during a press briefing alongside his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif in Beijing.
BRICS leaders condemn Pak-based terror groups, pass declaration against terrorism
On September 4, the leaders attending the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China, passed a joint declaration condemning "terrorism in all its forms." In an important diplomatic victory for India, the declaration specifically named Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Taliban, al-Qaida and Haqqani network. During his address at the summit, Indian PM Narendra Modi called for joint action on terrorism.
China: World should recognize Pak's sacrifices on counter-terrorism
"The government and people of Pakistan made huge efforts and sacrifice on the fight against terrorism and such efforts and sacrifice are there for everyone to see. The international community should recognise that," Wang said.
China: Pakistan has a "clear conscience" on counter-terrorism efforts
Wang said: "For years, Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism. Pakistan is an important participant in the international cooperation against terrorism." He said Pakistan has a "clear conscience" on counter-terrorism efforts. "In comparison, some countries need to give Pakistan the full credit that it deserves," he added. Wang's comments appear to be aimed at India's accusation that Pakistan is a state-sponsor of terrorism.
China's statement signals business as usual for Beijing on Pakistan
The BRICS declaration condemning terrorism was seen by India as a diplomatic victory. The declaration marked a huge concession for China which initially tried dissuading India from mentioning Pakistan-based terror at the BRICS Summit. The declaration raised hopes that China would pressurize Pakistan on cracking down on anti-India groups. However, China's latest remarks represent a walk-back to its original stance.
