China reiterates opposition to 'any unilateral action' on Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China held delegation-level talks in Islamabad on Saturday, according to the Foreign Office.

The Pakistan delegation was led by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and included Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Zahoor Ahmed, Director General (China) Muhammad Mudassir Tipu and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese delegation was led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and included China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and other senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two delegations had an in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and regional matters, particularly the current situation in India-held Jammu and Kashmir.  The two sides underscored the commonality of views on the Afghan peace process.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the Chinese side on the evolving situation in the held territory following India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August. He stressed that the ongoing curfew, continued lock-down and communications blockade, and massive human rights violations in the disputed region had created a dire humanitarian situation, which needed to be urgently addressed.

He underscored that the curfew and other restrictions needed to be immediately lifted.

Qureshi informed the Chinese side of the intensification of ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and emphasised that India could attempt a false-flag operation in order to divert attention from its crimes in held Kashmir.

He said Pakistan is grateful for China’s support in the aftermath of India’s illegal and unilateral actions.

He stressed that Pakistan and China continue their close coordination and consultation to ensure that peace and stability in the region are maintained.

State Councilor Wang Yi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.

He reaffirmed China’s support and reiterated opposition to any unilateral action as well as the measures that could further complicate the situation.

Qureshi further emphasised that friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He highlighted that ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ between two countries is deeply rooted in mutual trust and respect and is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Pakistan will continue to support China on all issues of its core interest, including Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

He highlighted that CPEC has added a new dimension to bilateral ties and contributed immensely to the revitalization of Pakistan’s economy.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of CPEC projects, especially those in Gwadar.

The Chinese FM highlighted that Pakistan-China relationship is based on mutual respect, trust and strong bonds of friendship. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to achieve goals of national development and extended China’s utmost support in this regard.

He emphasised that CPEC is a demonstration project of high-quality BRI projects and is being implemented jointly by Pakistan and China.

“Both countries have complete consensus on the future direction of CPEC to advance high-quality development in Pakistan. He underscored that Pakistan’s economic and financial situation was improving and the central banks of both countries must deepen their cooperation to reap dividends at a larger level.”

The two sides also noted with satisfaction the bilateral cooperation at multilateral fora and reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and support for multilateralism, free trade, and win-win cooperation.

Both sides resolved to implement the consensus reached by the leadership of two countries to deepen strategic consultation and coordination at all levels so as to jointly promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

At the conclusion of the meeting, minutes of the onsite investigation meeting of the feasibility study for Pakistan Smart Classroom Project was signed between Vice Chairman of CIDCA and Executive Director of HEC.