Foreign Affairs
Xi Hails Pakistan's Anti-Terror Plan Amidst China's UN Shenanigans; Netizens Roll Eyes
Swarajya Staff
Aug 02, 2023, 02:38 PM | Updated 02:38 PM IST
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In the aftermath of a devastating bomb blast in Khayber Pakhtunkhaw that claimed over 45 lives, Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed support for Pakistan's national anti-terrorism plan.
In a letter addressed to Pakistan's President Arif Alvi, Xi reiterated China's stance against all forms of terrorism and strongly condemned the recent attack. He pledged unwavering support to Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and jointly safeguard peace and security.
However, China's backing of Pakistan's anti-terror plan comes under scrutiny as the nation has been accused of sheltering Pakistani terrorists at the United Nations. Notably, China has consistently blocked attempts made by India, the United States, and France to designate known terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, along with others, as global terrorists.
This practice of placing "technical holds" on proposals has caused mounting frustration among other nations.
In June of this year, China once again blocked a proposal by India and the US to designate Sajid Mir, a terrorist associated with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a global terrorist for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
This move by China has prompted India to accuse China of prioritizing "petty geopolitical interests" over the crucial fight against terrorism.
"If we cannot get established terrorists who have been banned across global landscapes proscribed by the United Nations - for petty geopolitical interests - then we really do NOT have the genuine political will to sincerely fight this challenge of terrorism," India said after China blocked a proposal by India and the US to designate Sajid Mir as a global terrorist.
Xi's assurance of support to Pakistan's national anti-terror plan was met with mockery by netizens in India. Many critics interpreted the gesture as a commitment to shield Pakistani terrorists at the United Nations, allowing them to be used by the allies to incite terror in India.
The social media platforms were abuzz with sarcastic comments and memes, reflecting skepticism towards China's true intentions.
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