Union minister Gen VK Singh said China risks getting hit by Pakistan-backed terrorism. (File Photo)
Gorakhpur:
Union minister Gen VK Singh has said China - which blocked India's latest attempt to have Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar designated a terrorist by the United Nations - risks getting hit by Pakistan-backed terrorism.
"The friendship between China and Pakistan appears to be very strong but the day is not far when China too gets affected by Pakistan-backed terrorism," said Gen Singh, a former Army chief, adding "When such a situation arises, China will have to pay a heavy price."
After terrorists believed to be belonging to Azhar's Pakistan-based terror group attacked the Pathankot air base in January, India had written to the United Nations calling for immediate action to list the Jaish chief as a terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
India's submission was considered by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical aspects of the evidence provided and, with the support of the US, UK and France was sent to all members. However, hours before the deadline, China requested that the committee put banning Masood Azhar on hold.
Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Liu Jieyi said Azhar does not qualify to be named as a "terrorist" to face UN sanctions as his case "did not meet" the Security Council's requirements.
China is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations with veto powers and has claimed that its decision is based on facts and rules.
"Pakistan has an important place in Chinese diplomacy...China's intervention in that case must be seen in this context," Gen Singh said.