China defends CPEC, says project not aimed at India

China has defended the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying that the project isn't aimed at India and Beijing is committed to developg friendly and cooperative relations by respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "The CPEC is a new framework for long-term cooperation and development in various fields built up by China and Pakistan, which will help promote regional connectivity and trade and economic cooperation as well as regional peace, stability and development. It targets no third party and will not affect China's stance on the Kashmir issue,"

Responding to a question on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apparent remarks on the CPEC saying that only by respecting sovereignty can regional connectivity corridors fulfill their promise and avoid differences and discord, Hua said Prime Minister Modi did not mention the CPEC in his speech and asserted that Beijing is committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with others on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

She said one important element of the five principles of peaceful co-existence is respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and China has been pursuing all-around cooperation including regional connectivity projects.

"While pursuing the development of China-India relations, China has been respecting each other's core interests and major concerns and endeavoring to enhance mutual trust and cooperation," she said.

Accepting that there are differences and disputes between India and China, the spokesperson said that Beijing will stay in touch with New Delhi to properly manage these problems and resolve them through friendly consultations.

Hua said respecting each other's core interests and major concerns is a key principle for China to develop relations with other countries including India.