China declines to speak up for isolated Pakistan before BRICS Summit

China on Monday declined to speak up for isolated Pakistan that is the only nation being kept out of the October 15-16 BRICS leaders' meeting with regional countries, saying it "appreciates" India's arrangements for the regional dialogue. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in Goa from October 15-17 for the BRICS Summit and talks with Prime Minister Modi, following visits to Cambodia and

Bangladesh, the Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. While China had expressed the strongest objections to India's entry at the June plenary in Seoul, Beijing officials insist several other countries as well, thought to include Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey, Brazil and Mexico, had also expressed reservations about allowing a non-NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) country to join the group.

"We are also ready for discussions with India to explore the possibilities but things need to be in keeping with the procedures and norms and regulations of the NSG," he said.

"These rules are not to be decided by China alone. On the issue you mentioned, China and India have maintained good terms and healthy talks. We are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well. In this aspect we are also ready for discussions with India to explore the possibilities but things need to be in keeping with the procedures, norms and regulations of the NSG.

On this issue, China's position has been very consistent, that is why China has often said… international law must be observed."

COUNTER-TERROR COOPERATION

Another recent issue that has strained India's ties with China is the placing of a technical hold to block India's application to sanction Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar at the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee. China on September 30 extended a hold due to expire on October 1 by another three months, so it will have time until December 31 to choose to either accept or finally veto the bid.

Li said "China opposes all forms of terrorism". "There should be no double standards on terrorism nor should one pursue its own political gains in the name of counterterrorism. We hope and believe this Goa Summit will build on the past consensus and continue to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and other issues of political security."