Pakistan to continue to support China on Taiwan issue

On Thursday, Pakistani President Shehbaz Sharif had his first contact with his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, since taking office last month.

Sharif congratulated Li. Pakistan reiterated its support for China on Taiwan issue.

'UNSTINTING' SUPPORT FROM PAKISTAN

Emphasizing the importance of the "One-China" policy, Sharif announced that he has "unstinting" support for Tibet, Xinjiang, Hon Kong and the South China Sea.

"As all-weather partners and close friends, Pakistan appreciated China’s peaceful development as a positive factor of international peace and stability, and was confident that China would continue to achieve milestones on its journey towards modernization and rejuvenation," he added.

THANK FOR 'PRINCIPLED POSITION'

According to Anadolu, the Pakistani Prime Minister also addressed to his Chinese counterpart the issue of China's "principled position" in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

Li said, "praised Pakistan's support for China and reaffirmed his country's continuing support to Pakistan's national development, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

CHINA WILL ALSO COUNTINUE TO STAND WITH PAKISTAN

"China would continue to stand with Pakistan at all times," said the Chinese premier.

In addition to political and military support, China also announced that it will provide financial support to Pakistan. He first handed over the loans and approved new financial packages.

CHINA-TAIWAN TENSION

Beijing sees Taiwan as its own territory and criticizes high-level meetings between Taiwanese and foreign leaders.

Taiwan however, has insisted on its independence since 1949, enjoying full diplomatic relations with 13 nations.

CHINA CONTINUES MILITARY EXERCISES IN TAIWAN

Chinese President Tsai Ing-wen recently met with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. After the meeting, China's stance towards Taiwan hardened and began to organize military exercises in the region.

HIGH INFLATION IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is under severe stress due to low foreign reserves and high inflation.

The country’s army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, is currently on a four-day official visit to Beijing.

(AA)