Respect Pakistan's sovereignty, security concerns, China tells US

BEIJING - China has said that the United States must respect the sovereignty and security concerns of Pakistan, besides stressing the need to value role of Pakistan in the Afghanistan issue.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with US State of Secretary Rex Tillerson on China-US relations and the Afghanistan issue, reported China Global Television Network.

The statement follows US President Donald Trump's Monday maiden speech as commander-in-chief in which he accused Pakistan of allegedly providing safe havens to terrorists.

China's foreign minister during conversation emphasised on political dialogue to settle the Afghanistan issue, adding, China is willing to join efforts for boosting peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

"We need to give attention to the important role Pakistan plays in the Afghanistan issue, and respect Pakistan's sovereignty and security concerns," CGTN quoted Yang as saying.

Trump Policy

US President Donald Trump on Monday disclosed his policy of ramping up pressure on Pakistan, a close ally of US, in a bid to fully implement the revamped Afghan war strategy.

Accusing Islamabad of harbouring “agents of chaos, violence, and terror” the tycoon-turned-president clarified to increase pressure on the country to stop any re-emergence of safe havens in order to gain regional peace, besides announcing increase of US troops in Afghanistan.

President Trump stated this in his first formal address to the nation as commander-in-chief while announcing a new strategy regarding Pakistan’s neighbouring country, Afghanistan, where America landed with its troops after 9/11 attacks nearly 16 years ago, Monday night aiming at achieving a “lasting peace”.

He said, “We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond,” adding, “Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan.”