China opposes “unilateral action” in resolving the Kashmir issue that could “complicate” the situation and suggested it should be resolved, properly and peacefully, "based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements”, hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday in Beijing.  

“The Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in the joint statement released on Sunday, the last day of Khan’s four-day visit to China. 

The two sides also said, “a peaceful and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties.” Prime Minister Khan visited China to take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Khan will take a follow-up visit to China next month as the government faced criticism back home over his delayed meeting with the Chinese leader, initially seen as a snub from Beijing. 

During the discussions, both countries discussed a whole range of issues and sought to enhance security and strategic, economic cooperation, including in the second phase of the CPEC projects. 

Significantly, China raised the issue of delay in the projects of the $70-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the security of its interests in Pakistan. 
 
“Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to making all-out efforts for the security of all Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan and the Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the measures taken by Pakistan in this regard,” read the statement. “Both sides expressed their strong determination to safeguard CPEC from all threats and negative propaganda”.

It came amid the backdrop of growing perception in Pakistan’s militancy-ridden Balochistan province that through CPEC projects Beijing is helping Islamabad to exploit natural resources from the province. Also, a few weeks ago, Gwadar, an important port-town in the province, which is being developed through CPEC projects, had witnessed large anti-government protests. 

The joint statement noted that China recognized Pakistan's sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism, adding that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to "fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," and underscored the stronger defense and security cooperation between the two countries was “an important factor of peace and stability in the region.” 

China, cornered by the West over its alleged human rights abuses, received backing from Pakistan which expressed its full support on Hong Kong and Xinjiang. 

(SAM)