China blocks UN resolution seeking sanctions on Maulana Masood Azhar

NEW YORK: China on Wednesday vetoed a resolution tabled by United States, Britain and France to add Jaish-e-Mohammad leader Maulana Masood Azhar on United Nations’s blacklist, ARY News reported.

It is the third time China has vetoed such an effort by world powers, which underlines China’s strong commitment to side with Pakistan in a time when India is using every international forum against Pakistan.

Reportedly, China in its note to Security Council said it needed more time to examine the sanctions request targeting Masood Azhar.

Earlier in 2016 and 2017, China had blocked similar resolutions seeking sanctions on the leader.

Chinese foreign ministry officials have said that it has already made its stance clear over sanctioning someone on the basis of allegations.

The country added that for lasting results, serious deliberations and dialogues are a need of time.

China also added that it would play its responsible role in collaboration with all the concerned parties.

Since February 14, when a suicide attack targeted a bus full of Indian soldiers in India-occupied Kashmir’s Pulwama region, India has been blaming Pakistan for orchestrating the attack.

Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement in the attack and offered India to investigate the matter.

The olive branch, however, was responded with air raids in Pakistan’s Balakot area on February 26 by India.