We trust China, doesn't need US: Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 22: Pakistan in a new revelation said that it is not dependent on United States of America's financial aid as long as it has Peoples Republic of China as a friend said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

He said that China has the authority to speak for Pakistan about the post-Mumbai attacks situation. While speaking at a Chinese New Year function in Islamabad, Qureshi said he had given a 'blank cheque' to China's Vice Foreign Minister and told him that Pakistan would endorse whatever he said in New Delhi about the post-Mumbai attacks situation.

After the new US administration under Barack Obama said that Pakistan would be given conditional non-military aid depending on its performance against terrorism, Qureshi said, "Thee way you sent your special envoy to Islamabad and when I was seeing him (Chinese minister) off at the Foreign Office, I said to him you could go to Delhi and you have a blank cheque from us. Whatever you say Pakistan will endorse. That is the level of trust and confidence we have in you."

He added that relations with China was the cornerstone of Pak's foreign policy and had withstood regional and global changes. Pakistan and China have a relation of complete trust, mutual understanding and convergence of views on bilateral, regional and global changes, he added.

The Obama administration has told Pakistan that it is accountable for the 'security in the border region with Afghanistan' and the financial aid it receives would depend upon its performance in the fight against terrorism. But the Pakistan envoy to Washington has objected to the statement.

Hussain Huqqani said to Geo TV in Islamabad on Wednesday, Jan 22, "Pakistan hopes that Obama will be more patient while dealing with Pakistan. We will review all options, if Obama does not adopt a positive policy towards us." He added that former US President George W Bush was more inclined to Pakistan, likewise Obama should also hear Pakistan out. He should also pay attention to other factors in the region, said Huqqani.

Huqqani said that Pakistan was an ally of the US and participating in the 'war against terror' was its own interest.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)