China ready to discuss India's entry into NSG, not Masood Azhar's ban

New Delhi: In a blow to New Delhi ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the Brics Summit on October 15 and 16, China defended its recent decision to again block a UN ban on Masood Azhar, chief of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, saying Beijing is opposed to anyone trying to extract “political gains in the name of counter-terrorism”.

On the issue of India’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), China said that it is “ready” for talks but reiterated that all decisions must be in accordance with the procedures, norms and regulations of NSG.  

China’s needling of India on these two important matters demonstrates not just Beijing’s strong links with Pakistan, but also its steadfast determination to block all attempts by India to assume a greater global role, a fact that has been flagged up by India.

Without naming China but in an obvious reference to it, India had said that there was only “one country” that opposed to both, a UN ban on Masood Azhar as well as India’s entry into the NSG.

No double standards on counter-terrorism: China
According to agency reports from Beijing, in a briefing on President Xi’s forthcoming visit to India this week, China’s vice-foreign minister Li Baodong, while responding to criticism that China’s second hold on attempts to ban Azhar sends a dangerous message, sought to justify Beijing’s decision, saying, “China is opposed to all forms of terrorism. There should be no double standards on counter-terrorism. (But) No one  should pursue own political gains in the name of counter-terrorism.”

India is pressing for a UN ban against Azhar for his role in the Pathankot terror attack. China had announced the extension of its “technical hold” on India's bid to get Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN on October 1, days before it was to expire. The hold can continue for up to three more months.

Though China is the lone member among the 15-member UNSC to oppose the ban on Azhar, Beijing claims that “different views” existed about India’s application against Azhar.

During Monday's briefing, Mr Li said counter-terrorism cooperation will figure at the Brics Summit to be held in Goa.

“Counter-terrorism is an important area for cooperation among Brics members for political security. Cooperation on this front will enhance Brics’ communication and coordination and will contribute to world peace and security. That is quite obvious,” he said.