China refuses to budge on India's NSG bid, Azhar's banning

China may speed up construction at the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, if India decides to corner Pakistan

On the eve of President Xi Jinping's India visit, China on Friday stood firm on its ground saying that there was no change in its stand regarding India's membership at the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).  

Neither did it agree with New Delhi's efforts aimed at designating the chief Jaish-e-Mohammed, Masood Azhar, a terrorist by the United Nations.

As Xi is due to arrive at Goa on October 15 to take part in the BRICS Summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that relations between India and China have been making "great headway" despite some "disputes".

"I have stated China's position. I would like to reiterate that the UN committee dealing with the listing, does it according to provisions of the UN charter," he said while replying to a question on India's application to ban Azhar following the Pathankot terrorist attack.

Geng, at a briefing, said China maintains that the UN Committee designated to ban terrorist outfits should work on true facts and make a decision based on a consensus among members.

According to the Chinese spokesperson, all parties are divided over the listing issue and that is why it has put the decision to ban Azhar on hold.

The second technical hold put by China will give enough time to make the listing decision, Geng said, adding that this also shows the responsible and professional attitude of the Chinese side.

"China's position has not changed regarding the joining of the NSG by India," Geng said.

Speaking on the same issue earlier this month, China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong had harped on the need to build consensus over the admission of new members in the 48-member NSG.

Geng expressed hope that the two countries can continue with dialogue and cooperation to exchange views on some disputes, seek solutions and properly manage relevant disputes.

Meanwhile, a Chinese scholar, Hu Shisheng, Director of theChina Institutes of Contemporary International Relations affiliated to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said China may speed up construction at the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region, if Pakistan is isolated and cornered by India.

"China has to discuss with Pakistan about the current situation on how to handle and how to come out it," Hu said speaking about Pakistan's isolation in the region leading to the postponement of the SAARC summit after the Uri terror attack, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed.