China Places Conditions to India, Over Azhar's Listing
China says that it is ready to list Azhar as a terrorist, if India is willing to stop any attack on Pakistan, but instead reopen talks with Pakistan.
On 14th February, the Jaish e Mohammad attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy, in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 40 Jawans.
PM Modi promised that this action would be punished. Within 12 days, the Indian Air Force carried out a surgical strike on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The Global Community agreed to India’s right to self defence.
China has always tried to avoid an India- Pakistan clash. Initially, China agreed to list Azhar as a terrorist, if India reduced its tensions. In 2016, India stopped talking to Pakistan after the Pathankot attack. At the same time, in 2016-17 China continuously blocked Azhar’s listing and asked India to directly negotiate with Pakistan on this issue. India realized that this was a part of China’s plan for India to restart talks with Pakistan.
Beijing offered to lift its “technical hold” on Azhar’s listing as a terrorist, if India promised not to attack Pakistan and reduce tensions after the Pulwama attack. India refused.
Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson for Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that in a UN announcement, they clearly state that Masood Azhar was listed for taking part in the financing, planning, helping, and taking part in terrorist activities, along with the Jaish e Mohammad.
