China explains the 'technical hold' in UN terrorist blacklist bid

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang expressed China's stance at a daily press briefing when commenting on Beijing's decision to delay a bid at the UN to blacklist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) leader as a terrorist.

"China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 Committee," he said.

China proposed the "technical hold" to the listing application in order to give more time for the committee to deliberate and for further negotiations among the relevant parties, Lu added, noting that China will maintain a constructive and responsible attitude and hopes that disputes can be solved through dialogue.

The Indian Foreign Ministry said it "was disappointed by the outcome," adding that it would continue to pursue all avenues to make sure "terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens are brought to justice," Reuters reported.

China has blocked three previous attempts at the committee to blacklist the JeM's leader.

Indian army troopers stand guard near the site of a suicide attack on the convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) near Lethpora village in Pulwama district, about 27 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, February. 14, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

On February 14, a suicide blast in Pulwama in Indian-controlled Kashmir left 40 paramilitary troopers dead. The JeM militant group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Beijing has urged Pakistan and India to "address their issues through dialogue and consultation" and "face the militants together to maintain regional stability and security."

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerrilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfights between the two sides take place intermittently.

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