China no to India’s bid for a ban on Masood Azhar, Yes to NSG talks

October 10, 2016

China today said, it is ready for talks with India on its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but defended extending a hold on New Delhi’s bid for a United Nations ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar. Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong was briefing media in Beijing on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India this week to take part in the BRICS Summit in Goa.

Asked if any progress on the issue of India’s admission into NSG can be expected in the meeting between the Chinese President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit, Mr Li said, NSG rules stipulate consensus among the members to admit new ones. He said, China and India have maintained good communication on the issue and Beijing is ready to continue consultations with New Delhi to build consensus.

Replying to a question on criticism about China’s move to stall India’s bid for a ban on Azhar, the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said, Beijing is opposed to anyone making political gains in the name of counter-terrorism. He said, the Goa summit will build on the past consensus and continue to strengthen co-operation in counter-terrorism and other issues of political security and contribute to world peace and security. The BRICS Summit begins on Saturday. The grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.