Stand on Lakhvi based on facts, fairness: China

Beijing, July 9: Defending its stand to block India's move in the UN that called for action against Pakistan on the release of Mumbai attacks alleged mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, China on Thursday said its move was in the spirit of "fairness".

"As a permanent member of the UN security council, China always deals with the 1267 Committee matters based on facts and in the spirit of objectiveness and fairness," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a daily press briefing.

"China has maintained close communication with all parties concerned, including India, on issues related with the UNSC 1267 Committee," she added.

This statement came in response to a question pertaining to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking up the issue during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Wednesday on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summits in the Russian city of Ufa.

India has demanded that the UN take action against Pakistan as the Islamabad government released Lakhvi. India has relentlessly sought him since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed over 160 people, including several foreigners, causing international uproar and a diplomatic storm.

The meeting between the two leaders lasted over an hour on Wednesday.

Following Lakhvi's release from a jail in Lahore in April, the UN sanctions committee met at India's request last month during which a clarification was sought from Pakistan over Lakhvi's release, but China blocked the move on the grounds that India did not provide adequate information.

IANS