China calls for 'political consultations' to resolve listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Reiterating its previous stand, China on Tuesday called for "political consultation within the framework of 1267 Committee" to resolve the issue pertaining to the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

China also underlined that "positive progress" has been made in the issue so far.

"Support issue of the listing (of Masood Azhar), which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of 1267 Committee. We think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," said Chinese foreign ministry, in a statement.

"At present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee. Within the framework. And positive progress has been made. Thirdly, we believe in the joint efforts of all parties. This problem can be properly solved," it added.

The remarks come two-days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The statement also follows Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale visit to China on April 20 to discuss the listing of Azhar, on which Beijing emerged as the sole hurdle so far.

On March 13, China, for the fourth time, had blocked a proposal by the US, the UK and France, among others, to enlist Azhar as a global terrorist before the UNSC committee.

A day after, Beijing had defended its technical block on the proposal, saying it needed "more time" as it is "conducting a comprehensive and in-depth review" on the listing request put forth by the countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang had told reporters at a regular briefing that China will continue "coordinating" with all the relevant parties to find a "lasting solution" to the issue if it is to be resolved in a "responsible and sustainable way".

India had expressed disappointment over China's move but vowed to continue to pursue "all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens" are brought to justice.

The United States had also said that the failure to designate Azhar as a global terrorist "runs counter" to Washington and Beijing's goal of regional stability and peace.

A global terrorist tag under the UN's 1267 committee would have led to a freeze on Azhar's assets and a ban on travel and keeping weapons.