China refuses to change stand on Masood Azhar

China on Tuesday again made it clear that it will continue to block India on Pakistan -based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar citing disagreements in the UN Committee related to terrorism issues in this particular case.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang's comments came in response to a question on the Azhar issue ahead of its review by the 1267 Committee of the UN next month.

"As to the issue of the listing of the 1267 Committee, we have stated our position many times. We always stand for the proper handling of the listing matter in the principle of objectiveness, fairness and professionalism. As far as I know, members of the Security Council still have differences about certain listing applications, and China wishes to keep communication and coordination with relevant parties on this matter." Geng Shuang said.

China has been insisting that India provide "solid evidence" against the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief. With the 1267 committee, India has been attempting to place sanctions on Masood Azhar.

Besides blocking India's entry into the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG, China has also consistently refused to allow Masood Azhar, who heads the Jaish-e-Mohammed and lives in Pakistan, from being banned by the UN Security Council, which would prevent the terror chief from traveling internationally and result in a global freezing of his assets.

India has accused Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Mufti Rauf Asghar and his two other key lieutenants - Shahid Latif and Kashif Jan for the January 2 Pathankot airbase attack.