Pakistan supports China’s ‘all efforts’ in safeguarding its sovereignty, says Ambassador Haque

Says the world cannot afford another crisis with far-reaching implications for regional, global peace and security

BEIJING:

Pakistan's Ambassador to China Moinul Haque on Saturday said that Islamabad firmly believes in the one-China principle and supports 'all efforts' of the neighbouring country in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In an interview with Global Times, the ambassador maintained that Pakistan will continue to extend full support to its 'iron brother' while responding to a question on US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to Taiwan and regarding China’s countermeasures.

“Within the bounds of international law, every country has the right to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said, adding that in the same vein, Pakistan supports all efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of the UN charter, international law and bilateral agreements.

“Inter-state relations should be based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,” he said.

Read: Pelosi defies China threats and lands in Taiwan

Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday, defying a string of increasingly stark warnings and threats from China that have sent tensions between the world's two superpowers soaring.

The visit is seen as a serious violation of the one-China principle. On Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry had announced eight countermeasures in response.

During the interview, the ambassador said that as ‘iron brothers’ and ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners', Pakistan and China have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with each other through many challenges.

“Pakistan would continue to extend full support to its iron brother China on the issues of its core national interest,” he emphasised.

According to the ambassador, the current global geo-political situation remains tense as the world is already grappling with multi-faceted challenges.

He furthered that the regional situation in Taiwan Straits was complicated with the visit. “We believe that the world cannot afford another crisis with far-reaching implications for regional and global peace and security,” he said.

It is pertinent to note that the ‘one-China’ policy outlines that there is only one China in the world and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part.

“This is about China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which needs to be respected,” said Pakistan’s envoy.

He maintained that Pakistan opposes any attempt “to create ‘two Chinas’ or ‘one China, one Taiwan’ or ‘Taiwan independence'.

Ambassador Haque reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support to China on the issues of its core interest, including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and South China Sea.