Pak tells China it is entitled to defend the nation

Islamabad, Dec. 30 (ANI): The Pakistan government has told a visiting Chinese delegation that it has the right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in case of aggression from the enemy.

The Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, He Yafie, held meetings with Pakistani President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, besides other government officials in Islamabad on Monday.

President Zardari told Yafie that Pakistan had taken positive steps after the Mumbai attacks, but India failed in providing 'support' and instead made false allegations against it.

Gilani told the Chinese minister, the Prime Minister that elements wanting to ruin the Indo-Pak ties have only benefited from the escalating tensions between the two neighbours.

Yafie and Chinese delegation also met Chief of Army Staff General, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General, Tariq Majid.

General Kayani urged for a de-escalation to avoid a conflict between India and Pakistan in his meeting with Yafie.

The Chinese minister said New Delhi and Islamabad should jointly fight against terrorism. He assured Islamabad that China would continue to promote peace and stability in South Asia. (ANI)