Context
China Objects To India's Plan To Hold 2023 G-20 Meeting In J&K
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian
China called Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) "disputed territory" and underlined that relevant sides should avoid "unilateral moves" that may "complicate" the situation.
What was said: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told the media that they have taken note of India's plan to hold the 2023 G-20 summit in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
"China's position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear-cut. The Kashmir issue, a dispute left from the past, should be peacefully and properly addressed in accordance with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement," Zhao said.
He said the "parties concerned need to avoid unilateral moves that may complicate the situation. Efforts should be made to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultation so as to maintain regional peace and stability."
"We call on all major economies to focus on steady recovery of the world economy, avoid politicising relevant cooperation and make positive contributions to improving global economic governance," he said.
Zhao brushed aside the question of Chinese attendance, saying, "We will look at whether China will attend the meeting."
Pakistan also objected to the first major international summit, expected to be held in Jammu and Kashmir after its special status guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution was withdrawn and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union territories in August 2019.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that Islamabad had taken note of news appearing in the Indian media indicating that India might be contemplating to hold some G-20-related meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Pakistan completely rejects any such attempt by India," Ahmad said.
He added that it was a well-known fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory between Pakistan and India, and has remained on the agenda of the UN Security Council for over seven decades.
India's plan is to host the 2023 meetings of the G-20 in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The G-20 is an influential grouping that brings together the world's major economies.
The Union territory administration on 23 June was setting up a five-member high-level committee for overall coordination.
Chinese activities in PoK: China is building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the disputed region in PoK and India has consistently raised objections over it.
Zhao said the "two matters are completely different in nature. China has undertaken some projects in Pakistan to help it grow its economy and improve people’s livelihood."
"These projects are in Pakistan-occupied areas of Kashmir," Zhao said, perhaps a rare occasion when China has described PoK in this way.
"Relevant Chinese companies conduct the relevant projects with the purpose of helping Pakistan to develop its economy and improve people’s livelihood," he said.
"This does not affect China's position on the Kashmir issue," Zhao underlined.
The choice of G-20 summit location lies solely with India as it's the organising nation. As preparations are underway, the usual suspects can be expected to raise opposition to India's choice, as it sends out a bold message of absolute Indian sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir.
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