All countries’ sovereignty, territorial integrity must be respected: China

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang says China always believes all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity shall be respected, and it does not wish to see any violation against the UN Charter and the norms of international law.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday when a reporter asked what could China do to alleviate tension between India and Pakistan, he said China was concerned about the escalating tension between India and Pakistan.

“You may notice that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China's worries and concerns when talking with the Indian foreign minister and holding a phone call with the Pakistani foreign minister. We urge India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and come back to the negotiating table at an early date so that the situation will be effectively brought under control and regional peace and stability will be jointly upheld. China has been in close communication with both India and Pakistan on the current situation and making efforts to promote peace. We noted that neither Pakistan nor India want to see a deterioration or escalation of the situation. We encourage the two sides to meet each other halfway and resolve the issue through dialogue. China stands ready to continue with its constructive role in this regard.

Asked if China will block Britain, France and the US request to the UN Security Council to put Masood Azhar on the UN terror blacklist as it had done in the past, Lu Kang said the United Nations Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to participate in the discussions of the relevant UN sanctions committee and its subsidiary bodies in a responsible manner.

When a questioner asked if he could elaborate on Wang Yi’s statement on a phone call that he made to the Pakistani foreign minister last night, the spokesman said China released information on this phone call very timely last night, or more accurately, early this morning.

Through this urgent phone call, the Pakistani foreign minister briefed State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the current situation and the Pakistani government's assessment and considerations.

He also expressed Pakistan's hope that China will continue to play an active role in easing tensions. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's view on the current situation. We are truly concerned about the current tensions in India-Pakistan relations. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's hope that India and Pakistan could exercise restraint and earnestly fulfill their commitment to preventing escalation. He stressed explicitly that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also talked about China's recent efforts in facilitating reconciliation and dialogue. You may read our press release for more information.

Answering a question, Lu Kang said India and Pakistan were all important countries in South Asia and it’s very important for them to keep a harmonious relationship and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.

“The escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent events is not what we wish to see and is a cause of great concern to us. We hope that India and Pakistan will honor their pledge of preventing the situation from further deterioration or escalation and come back to the negotiating table at an early date so that the situation will be effectively brought under control and regional peace and stability will be restored. This serves the interests of all countries.

Asked if all countries should adopt and practice the Geneva Convention in times of military conflict, he said, ”Not just the Geneva Convention. Like I just said, China believes that in international relations, all countries need to respect all the international law and the basic norms guiding international relations, including the UN Charter.”