China today defended its second technical hold to prevent a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar. It said there were different view on India’s application and that Beijing’s move will allow more time for the relevant parties to have consultations.
Reacting to India’s criticism that its second hold on attempts to ban Azhar sends a dangerous message, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the listing application member states submitted to the 1267 Committee of UN must comply with specific requirements of relevant resolutions of UN Security Council, UNSC.
Though China is the lone member among the 15-member UNSC to oppose the ban on Azhar. China had put the first technical hold six months ago on India’s application following Azhar’s alleged involvement in the Pathankot terrorist attack.