China firmly opposes and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism

Q: Around 45 Indian security personnel were killed in a terror attack in Kashmir yesterday. This is one of the worst terror attacks in the region ever. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian has once again appealed to all countries to put this organization and its chief on the UN Security Council sanctions list. And now there is a growing clamor in India that China is not doing enough on the listing issue of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar. Do you think if India puts forward the application this year, China will rethink its decision?

A: We have noted relevant reports and are greatly shocked by this attack. We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and the injured. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and hopes that relevant countries in the region could make joint efforts to combat terrorism and preserve regional peace and security.

As for the listing of the certain organization and individual by the UN Security Council 1267 Committee you asked about, the UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. The Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed responsibility for this attack is already on the Security Council sanctions list against terrorism. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a constructive and responsible manner.

Q: The Wuhan Summit has led to a positive turn-around in India-China relations. Considering the bilateral relations have moved further after Wuhan, do you think that China would perhaps look at this case differently and can we expect a different outcome this year?

A: I have already given you an answer. China has been acting in a constructive and responsible manner in dealing with this listing issue. The Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is a terrorist organization, is already on the Security Council sanctions list against terrorism.

As for the listing of the relevant individual, China has been participating in the deliberations on this issue in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the rules of procedure of the UN Security Council 1267 Committee. We will continue to do so and remain in communication with all parties including India on this issue.

Q: Does China plan to continue using its position in the UN Security Council to block India’s attempt to designate the chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammed?

A: I already answered this question. The UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a constructive and responsible manner. We will also keep in close communication with all relevant parties on this issue.

Q: The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan is mandated to monitor violations on the Line of Control from both sides at Kashmir, but India has not been allowing this group to work on the India-controlled side of the region. What is China’s comment on this?

A: We have repeated many times that as major countries in South Asia, Pakistan and India should properly resolve this issue through dialogue and consultation. We also hope that relevant regional countries will make joint efforts to combat terrorism and preserve regional peace and security.