China says CPEC won’t be affected by political situation

Spokesperson stresses Pakistan could stay united and uphold national development and stability

BEIJING:

China said on Wednesday all the parties in Pakistan could stay united and uphold national development and stability, stressing that the bilateral cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would not be affected by the political situation in the neighbouring country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian emphasised that China and Pakistan were “all weather strategic cooperative partners” but added that Beijing always followed the principle of non-interference in other countries domestic affairs.

“As ironclad friend of Pakistan, we hope all parties in the country can stay united and uphold national development and stability,” the spokesperson said, in response to a question about the current political situation in Pakistan.

“History has proven once again that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, how our respective domestic situation may change, China and Pakistan relations will always stand unbreakable and rock firm,” Zhao added.

Responding to another question, Spokesperson Zhao said: “We believe that the China-Pakistan overall cooperation and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor construction will not be affected by the political situation in Pakistan.”