But the Chinese decision will have to be seen in the larger context, primarily which stems from its desire to prevent any further isolation of Pakistan at the global stage. This is unlikely to wash well in the Delhi establishment.
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“We also raised this bilaterally with the other members of the Committee”. Last month, China had blocked India’s efforts to seek UNSC sanctions against Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. India wanted the United Nations to seek a clarification from Pakistan on this and other issues regarding Lakhvi’s bail.
Forget about the key role played by Pakistan in bringing about a US-China détente decades ago.
China offered a feeble explanation that technically it couldn’t support India due to lack of adequate evidence presented.
Acknowledging that terrorism remained a common challenge, she told the 15-member Council that Pakistan had condemned of the recent rise in violence in Afghanistan, including the “atrocious” attack on the Afghan Parliament, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to cooperation with that country in fighting the scourge. Sharif reportedly said, “Leaders are like heads of families”.
China too realizes the threat that emanates from the terrorist outfits-many of them trained, financed and nurtured by Pakistani authorities-that are operating from Pakistani soil. Or like Pakistan, it is China’s strategy also to use such Pakistan sponsored terror outfits in destabilization of India and as an asset as part of the overall China-India Dual Military Threat to India? However, the resolution was vetoed by Pakistan’s longstanding friend China, killing the Indian conspiracy in its bud, reported Dunya News. But it doesn’t ensure Pakistan‘s cooperation to fight terrorists.
This brings to the fore a crucial question not only of China’s intentions but also the capabilities of China’s intelligence agencies operating in Pakistan in strength despite China-Pakistan being “Blood Brothers”. At best, it constitutes a reality check and a challenge – a stiff one at that! Thus, China has a history of shielding Pakistan-based terror groups from sanctions under resolution 1267. It seldom guarantees the “erring” country’s compliance with what the world wants.
Outlining activities related to the Heart of Asia process that Pakistan co-chaired, she stated that sustainable peace in Afghanistan would lead to regional stability. Earlier U.S. State Department official, Jeff Rathke, urged India and Pakistan “to take steps to reduce tensions and to move towards resuming talks”. There could be very few takers in India at the moment for the Chinese argument. If not then that is a serious reflection on China’s intelligence set-up.
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