'Unbiased' approach to India's move for UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad: China

BEIJING: China today said it will adopt an "unbiased" approach to back any Indian move for a UN ban on Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad blamed for the Pathankot airbase attack, months after blocking India's demand for action against the Lashkar-e-Taiba at the world body.

On reports from India that New Delhi may seek Beijing's support for a UN ban on the Jaish for the attack on the Pathankot airbase, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said "in dealing with counter terrorism issues, the Chinese side will continue to adopt a fact-based, objective and unbiased position and follow relevant resolutions and regulations of the UN Security Council".

"The Chinese side strongly condemns attacks on diplomatic and consulate missions," Hong said in a written response to PTI here about the attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan which an Afghan police official has said was carried out by Pakistani military personnel.

"We believe and hope that relevant situation can be handled properly," Hong said.

He said China opposes all forms of terrorism, supports a central UN role in coordinating international counter-terror cooperation and actively participates in global counter- terrorism efforts.

Hong's remarks were significant in the backdrop of China blocking India's move at the UN Sanctions Committee last year when New Delhi sought action against Pakistan for releasing jailed LeT operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

China wanted more evidence which officials say India subsequently discussed with Chinese officials.

Besides the Lakhvi case, China earlier had put a technical hold on India's demand for UN Security Council action against Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and LeT chief Hafiz Saeed citing UNSC resolution 1267.