Don’t use terror issue for political gains: China after India’s Jaish ban push

Mangalore Today News Network

Beijing,  Oct 10, 2016:  China indicated on Monday that India is using the fight against terror for political gains in what appears to be a reference to New Delhi’s high-profile Pakistan-centric anti-terrorism campaign.

Without naming either India or Pakistan, vice-foreign minister Li Baodong said that no country should have double standards on terrorism or use it for political gains. He was speaking to reporters on President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to India for the 8th Brics summit in Goa on October 15 and 16.

“There should be no double standards on terrorism nor should one pursue its own political gains in the name of counter-terrorism,” Li said.

The minister was answering a question on whether the issue of terrorism would come up for discussion during the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit.

“On counter-terrorism, the five countries have consensus. The foreign ministers of the five countries reached an agreement on the margins of the United Nation General Assembly. We hope and believe this Goa Summit will build on the pass consensus and continue to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism and other issues of political security,” Li said.

Li added: “Counter-terrorism, it is also important area of cooperation among BRICS on political security. Cooperation on this front will enhance BRICS coordination and contribute to world peace and security,” he said.

He said China’s position on counter-terrorism is consistent and that “China opposes all forms of terrorism”.

Li, of course, made no reference to the fact that China has just extended its “technical hold” against New Delhi’s appeal to the United Nations to label Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a terrorist.

In April, China in collaboration with Pakistan had blocked India’s bid to ban Azhar, named by India as the mastermind behind the Pathankot Indian air base attack in January.

Beijing’s decision on October 1 – coming in the aftermath of the terror attack in Uri last month – had once again brought focus China’s stand on terrorism, which is seen in India in two ways – ambiguous at best or completely hinged on its close ties with Pakistan at worst.