China uses its power to block India's move to brand Masood Azhar as a terrorist in UN

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding India's efforts to isolate Pakistan particularly after Uri terror strikes blamed on Jaish-e-Mohammed China has extended its veto in UN Security Council against efforts to ban JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar by three months in what would be a breather to Islamabad.

Beijing’s move to extend the “technical hold” imposed in April comes a day before it was to lapse -- a step that might impact Sino-Indian ties when Delhi is all set to host President Xi Jinping in Goa for BRICS Summit and bilateral meeting being held in the backdrop of India's surgical strikes against terror camps across Line of Control. China was present among 25 foreign envoys that Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar briefed on Thursday on Indian Army strikes against terror launch pads.

In April 14 out of 15 countries in Security Council have demanded a ban on Azhar under 1267 Sanctions committee. New Zealand is the current chair of this Committee.

A senior source told ET, "This is an ongoing process. All that has happened is process has been elongated following these steps by China." It is understood that India had moved China following the Uri strikes both bilaterally as well as through multilateral bodies like BRICS to take a strong position on Pak-based and sponsored terror.

Hoping to safeguard its all weather ally Beijing argued on Saturday – like in April – that its decision was based on facts and procedures. Interestingly the first ever counter-terrorism and security meet between China and India has just been held in Beijing.

China has been using veto against efforts to ban Azhar under the same committee since 2009-10.