Masood Azhar, Pathankot plotter

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 20

A day after BRICS foreign ministers came together to condemn terrorism, China today stuck to its old tune of Masood Azhar and said its position on the issue remained unchanged. For India, it also translates into being back to square one as far as China is concerned.The communiqué issued yesterday after the meeting between BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) ministers was emphatic in its resolve to combat terrorism.However, in Beijing today Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, “At present, some members still have a disagreement over the listing matter.”Geng was responding to a question on the Azhar issue ahead of its review by the 1267 Committee of the UN next month. The 1267 Committee comprises members of the UN Security Council. Interestingly, Jaish is, as an organisation, proscribed under 1267. India, in the recent past, has made several attempts to get Masood, chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), listed as an international terrorist at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).China has always vetoed any such move citing lack of evidence, but in effect really standing up for its all-weather friend Pakistan. Azhar is accused by India of being the mastermind behind the Pathankot attacks.  “We have talked about our position many times. We believe the principles of objectivity and professionalism and justice shall be upheld,” Geng said. “China stands ready to remain in coordination and communication with the relevant parties.”(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)For India, the challenge of going ahead remains China vis-a-vis Pakistan. Whether it is the matter of getting Masood Azhar designated as terrorist or India seeking a berth in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the main stumbling block for India is China. In the UNSC, India finds itself facing a defeat time and again because of China’s veto power. And in matters of NSG that works on the basis of consensus among member states, the problem again is an adamant China.China’s statement should come as a wakeup call to the South Block mandarins. With a USD 50 billion Chinese investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor also happening, for India the worry is a growing China-Pakistan nexus where India’s interests are getting squeezed out – See more at: http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/china-says-no-change-in-stand-on-masood/425442.html#sthash.GXS356j3.dpuf