State-run Chinese TV excludes PoK from Pakistan

NEW DELHI: China’s state-run CGTN Television has for the first time excluded Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from Pakistan’s map while it reported last Friday’s terror attack on a consulate in Pakistan.

It is not known if this was a deliberate move by China amid the momentum generated through highlevel contacts between New Delhi and Beijing in 2018. Also, it is unlikely that a state-run television will ever defy Beijing.

The Chinese television broadcast, however, may draw reaction from Islamabad and the Pakistan Army. Sources said it would not be surprising if a top official is dashed to Beijing in the near future.


Excluding PoK from Pakistan map could also have implications for China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC). India has strong reservations on CPEC as it violates its sovereignty by passing through PoK. The CPEC is the most important connectivity link under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China had invested heavily in infrastructure projects in PoK even before the BRI was launched. India had served several protest letters, both to Beijing and Islamabad, about Chinese-funded projects in PoK. China had reportedly posted troops in PoK, a move that was sharply criticised by India.

Besides Chinese investments in PoK, Sino-Indian ties were adversely impacted after China started offering stapled visas to J&K residents a few years back and began hosting Hurriyat leaders. But Beijing, of late, has been emphasising that India and Pakistan should address the Kashmir issue bilaterally.

“It is highly unlikely that China’s state-run TV will indulge in a goofup. A stern message was sent to Pakistan, reflecting deep anger and frustration of the Chinese establishment with the security lapse. PoK is critical to CPEC and Beijing sought to send a message to Islamabad,” Tilak Devasher, a former senior Cabinet Secretariat official told ET.

CGTN, earlier known as CCTV-9 and CCTV News, is a Chinese international English-language news channel of state-owned China Global Television Network group, part of the China Central Television, based in Beijing. The channel was launched in September 2000. Reacting soon after the attack on Chinese consulate, MEA had stated that “there can be no justification for any act of terrorism”.