Will block India’s NSG bid, Masood Azhar ban push until consensus, says China

China said on Friday it will continue to block India’s efforts to ban Pakistan-based militant Masood Azhar and New Delhi’s application to join the influential Nuclear Suppliers Group until a consensus emerged on both issues.

A day before Chinese President Xi Jinping reaches Goa for the 8th Brics summit, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) said there were “differing” views among members of the United Nations Security Council on listing Azhar — who heads the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad — as a “terrorist”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Xi on the sidelines of the summit.

“I have stated China’s position. I would like to reiterate that the UN committee dealing with the listing does it according to provisions of the UN charter. We maintain that this committee should work on true facts and make a decision according to consensus of its members,” Geng Shuang, MFA spokesperson said at a regular press conference on Friday.

“All parties are divided in listing of the relevant people. And this is why China has put on hold (the banning of Azhar),” Geng said.

“This will give enough time to make the listing decision and also shows the responsible and professional attitude of the Chinese side,” he added.

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