RAWALPINDI(Web Desk) – At an important point in time, China has once again reaffirmed friendship with Pakistan and said that both the countries share concerns on a range of issues both in the region and beyond.
Meng Jianzhu, member of Politburo — Communist Party’s second highest council — on Monday had a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and termed China’s relationship with Pakistan “beyond individuals”.
“Pakistan’s concern is China’s concern,” he said.
The COAS’ visit to China has attained significance against the backdrop of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, as it is believed as a step to tilt balance in favour of India with regards to China, Pakistan and regional politics.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif’s visit to China has opened new doors of cooperation between the two countries.
The army chief held important meetings with the Chinese leadership, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted.
In a meeting with the COAS, State Leader and Peoples Conference Chairman Yu Zhengsheng also termed Pakistan as the “most reliable friend” and said just as Pakistan has always stood by China, the Chinese government and its people will stand with Pakistan and help it in all respects.
General Raheel thanked the Chinese leadership for its support to Pakistan and said, “The world must understand the evolving environment greater international focus, coordination [is required] to logically conclude the fight [against] terrorism.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Pakistan is China’s “irreplaceable, all-weather friend” and that both the countries are part of a community of shared destiny.
Meanwhile, China called on India to take more steps to satisfy the standards of a global organisation that controls atomic exports after US President Barack Obama said the United States was in favour of India joining the group.
Obama reaffirmed on the weekend during a visit to India the US position that India is ready for membership into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), according to a US-India joint statement.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said India’s admission to the group “requires very careful consideration from all the member countries”.
“We support the group carrying out discussions on admitting new members and at the same time we encourage India to take the next steps to satisfy the relevant standards of the group,” Hua told a daily news briefing.
She did not elaborate.
