Beijing: Calling Pakistan an "irreplaceable" all-weather friend, China on Monday pledged full support to it amid the high-profile visit of US President Barack Obama to India. The comments came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi other leaders met visiting Pakistani army chief General Raheel Sharif.
According to Pakistan army spokesman Asim Bajwa, during the meeting Yi told Sharif, "Pakistan is China's irreplaceable all weather friend and both countries part of community of shared destiny." Sharif's visit to China comes as Obama warmed up to India with an unprecedented second visit.
Pakistan is under pressure from both India and the US over the issue of terrorism with calls to impose a complete ban on Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its chief, Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Sharif, who is here on a two-day visit, also met Chairman of the People's Conference Yu Zhengsheng and senior leader Meng Jianzhu. Meng, member Politburo - the second highest council within the Communist Party - assured Sharif that China has consistent policy on Pakistan that is beyond individuals, adding that Pakistan's concern is China's concern.
"Mr Meng Member Politburo to #COAS: On #Pak, #China has consistent policy beyond individuals. Pak concern is China's concern," Bajwa, Director-General Inter Services Public Relations, tweeted. Zhengsheng said that Pakistan has always stood by China and termed it as its "the most reliable partner". The Chinese government and the people will help Pakistan in all respects, he said. Sharif thanked the Chinese leaders for inviting him, saying the world must understand the evolving environment.
"Greater international focus, coordination is needed to end the fight against terrorism," he said. Sharif met his Chinese counterpart Gen Qi Jianguo at the People's Liberation Army Headquarters and held talks with him. Gen Sharif also called on General Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission briefed him about the crackdown against terrorists in Pakistan.
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