BEIJING, July 1(ABC): China on Thursday opposed the Indian plan of holding a G20 meeting in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called on the member of the grouping to focus on economic recovery and avoid politicising the issue.
“China’s position on Kashmir is consistent and clear cut. It is a legacy issue between India and Pakistan,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing in response to a question regarding the Indian attempt to hold G20 meeting in the occupied area of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It should be properly resolved in accordance with the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions and bilateral agreement. Relevant parties should avoid complicating the situation with unilateral moves,” he added.
Pakistan has already completely rejected India’s attempt to hold the G20 meeting in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that the region is under New Delhi’s forcible and illegal occupation.
As per media reports, India is planning to host the 2023 meetings of the G20 and its Ministry of External Affairs has issued directives to the authorities in the occupied territory to ensure necessary arrangements.
Noting the relevant information, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stressed on the need to address disputes through dialogue and consultations and jointly uphold peace and stability.
“We need to address disputes through dialogue and consultation and jointly uphold peace and stability,” he said.
He remarked that G20 is a premier forum for international economic cooperation and called on relevant sides to focus on economic recovery and avoid politicising the relevant issue so as to make positive contribution to improving global economic governance.
Responding to a question, he said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is constructed in the region is completely different in nature than the holding of G20 meetings in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“China has undertaken projects to help Pakistan to grow its economy and improve livelihood,” he added.
Zhao Lijian said the relevant Chinese companies who run the projects do so with the aim of helping the local people develop the economy and improve their livelihood, adding, “That doesn’t mean our position on Kashmir is changed. I have already elaborated on our stern position on Kashmir.”
He said that the China is looking into whether it will attend the meeting.
