BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Friday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would not change China’s position on the Kashmir issue.
“Kashmir is an issue between India and Pakistan, and hopefully will be resolved by the two sides through dialogue and negotiation,” Chunying said while responding to a question during her regular press briefing in Beijing.
“CPEC, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, will help enhance regional connectivity and promote common development and prosperity for regional countries.”
“The Belt and Road Initiative is an open and cooperative one and operated under the principle of joint contribution, extensive consultation and shared benefits. All countries along the Belt and Road are welcome to join the initiative to share development opportunities and benefits,” she added.
“As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the CPEC will help enhance regional connectivity and promote common development and prosperity for regional countries,” she said.
To another question, she said: “China pursues friendly and cooperative relations with countries around the world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, promoting regional connectivity being part of that.”
Hua Chunying reiterated that the CPEC had nothing to do with territorial sovereignty disputes and would not affect China’s position on the Kashmir issue.
Responding to a question about Special Envoy Lee Hae-Chan of Republic of Korea’s meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, she said, “China attached importance to the visit of Special Envoy Lee Hae-chan. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with him.”
She hoped that the two sides could use this visit to thorough exchange views on China-ROK relations and issues of mutual interest or respective concern.
While reiterating China’s position on THAAD missile issue, the Spokesperson said: “China’s position on opposing the THAAD is very clear.”
