Pakistan, China reject criticism against CPEC project

Inaugural meeting of Joint Working Group on International Cooperation held in Beijing

Pakistan and China rejected criticism against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a mega multibillion-dollar infrastructure project under Beijing’s global Belt and Road Initiative.

"It was agreed to counter such moves through joint efforts at various levels and modes," said a statement issued by the Foreign Office following Tuesday's inaugural meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination in Beijing.

The inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) was held today in Beijing. The Pakistan side was led by Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua while the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou. pic.twitter.com/WrAe7X4ZTV

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 9, 2019

The Pakistan side was led by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua while the Chinese side was headed by Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou.

According to the communique, both sides expressed satisfaction at the steady progress being made on various CPEC projects and reaffirmed their resolve to maintain the momentum.

The two sides exchanged views and explored ways of developing joint proposals on international cooperation and coordination under CPEC.

The project will connect this region of China with Pakistan's seaport Gwadar through a network of rail, road and pipeline projects.

The next meeting of the group will be held in Islamabad at a mutually convenient date.