BEIJING – Opposing unilateral action in Kashmir, China said Wednesday that Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
According to Pakistan-China Joint statement, the Pakistan side briefed Beijing on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including its concerns, position, and current urgent issues while the Chinese side responded that it was paying close attention to the current situation in the valley.
“China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation. The two sides underlined that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in common interest of all parties. Parties need to settle disputes and issues in the region through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect,” said the statement.
It continued that leaders of the two countries had detailed exchange of views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Chinese foreign ministry, citing the official press statement, also highlighted that Pakistan and China served the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and contributed to peace, stability and development in the region.
Reaffirmed their support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, Chinese leaders reiterated solidarity with Pakistan in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, independence and security.
“The Pakistan side reaffirmed its commitment to the One China Policy. Supporting One Country Two Systems, Pakistan reiterated that affairs of Hong Kong were China’s internal matter and all countries should uphold international law and basic norms of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries,” stated the communique.
It added that the Pakistani side underscored that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a transformational project and a CPEC Authority was established to oversee the expeditious implementation of CPEC projects.
“Both sides maintained that the second phase of CPEC will promote industrial and socio-economic development in Pakistan. Pakistan side also underlined that the Gwadar Port has been granted various facilities enabling it to become a trade and logistical hub for the region. The two sides expressed determination to speedily execute CPEC so that its growth potential can be fully realized making it a high-quality demonstration project for BRI,” it continued.
The press release said two sides maintained that the ninth session of the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to be held in November in Islamabad would further fast-track implementation of the ongoing projects and explore new avenues of cooperation, including ML-1.
“The two sides underlined that Chinese investment in Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) and collaboration in SME sector would further expand Pakistan’s industrial base and diversify its export base,” it said.
The two sides held in-depth exchange of views on deepening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, finance, defence and security, education, agriculture, social sector, people-to-people contacts and cultural linkages, said the statement.
The Chinese foreign ministry stated that both sides underlined that educational links between the two countries were becoming stronger.
Moreover, the two sides agreed that early implementation of the Second Phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement would contribute to an increase in bilateral trade.
The leaders reviewed the excellent bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to further strength this cooperation in the areas of military exercises, training cooperation, personnel exchanges, and equipment and technology cooperation.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the two sides reaffirmed that there was no military solution in Afghanistan and peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital for regional security.
The Chinese side appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and called on all countries to strengthen international cooperation on counter-terrorism. China appreciated Pakistan’s unrelenting efforts and tremendous sacrifices in countering terrorism. It supported Pakistan in implementing its National Action Plan and called on the international community to objectively recognize Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and security through its success in fight against terrorism,” it said.
The joint statement said Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked the leadership and people of China for their warm hospitality and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.
Prime Minister Imran Khan headed to China on a two-day visit which ended today (Wednesday).
