China blocks JeM Chief Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist - for the fourth time

UNITED NATIONS - For the fourth time in a row, China has blocked an effort at the United Nations Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief, Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The proposal against Azhar was initiated by France and backed by the US and the UK on Wednesday, however, China put a technical hold against the listing, in a major blow to India.

China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, has blocked the move thrice in the past despite repeated attempts by India which alleges the 50-year-old leader to be the mastermind of Pulwama attacks - though no substantial evidence has been furnished as of yet.

India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed its disappointment over today's outcome.

We are grateful for the efforts of the Member States who moved the designation proposal and the unprecedented number of all other Security Council members as well as non-members who joined as co-sponsors, it said in a statement.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/china-to-again-block-un-move-to-declare-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist/

A technical hold means that China desires more time to deliberate over the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Previous attempts were made in 2009, 2016 and 2017, however, China blocked those bids as well.

A UNSC designation will subject Azhar to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo