Never heard of Pakistan sponsoring terrorism, says former Chinese envoy

Reiterating China's support to its all-weather ally Pakistan and rebutting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "mothership of terrorism" barb, former Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi on Tuesday said its ally has made "great contribution" in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking to ANI, Yuxi downplayed the claim that Pakistan is being isolated at the international arena, saying its strategic ally has never sponsored any terrorist forces and activities.

"I saw Pakistan's contribution in fighting against terror. They are helping China fighting against the group called the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and they have made sacrifice," Yuxi said.

"But I have never heard of Pakistan sponsoring terrorism," he added.

When he was asked about Pakistan's involvement in the 26/11 and Pathankot terror attacks, Yuxi said, "I have not seen it. I need to see in order to believe."

When asked about China blocking India's attempt to put Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar on the UN-designated terrorist list, Yuxi evaded the question.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit on Sunday, launched a veiled attack at Pakistan saying, "Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood."

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, on Monday, said that though Beijing is committed to fight against terrorism it opposes the idea of linking terrorism to any specific country, ethnic group or religion.

When asked if Modi fairly characterized Pakistan, the spokeswoman said, "We oppose terrorism of all forms and maintain that terrorist threats tackled through enhanced international cooperation in order to uphold peace, security and development of various countries and the region. We are also against linking terrorism to any specific country, ethnic group or religion.