China ‘ready’ for talks on NSG, but against JeM ban

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.

Beijing had scuttled New Delhi’s bid for entry into the NSG a few months ago at the group’s meeting in Seoul.

China’s needling of India on these two important matters declare 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 earlier said that there was only “one country” that was opposed to both, a UN ban on Masood Azhar as well as India’s entry into the NSG.

According to news agency reports from Beijing, in a media 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) Nor should one 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. He said Brics’ foreign ministers reached an agreement on counter-terrorism during their meeting on the margins of the UN General Assembly last month. The Brics grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

On India’s membership to NSG, China again harped on the need to build consensus over the admission of new members in the 48-member group. Asked if any progress on India’s bid can be expected in the meeting between Mr Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of Brics, Mr Li said NSG rules stipulate consensus among the members to admit new ones.

“These rules are not to be decided by China alone. On the issue, China and India have maintained good communication and 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,” Mr Li said.

“In this aspect we are also ready for discussions with India to explore possibilities but things need to be in keeping up with procedures, norms and regulations of the NSG. On this issue, China’s position is consistent. That is why China has often said international law must be observed,” he said.