China, Pakistan will work to crack down on terrorism

BEIJING: China and Pakistan will deepen security and defense cooperation and work to crack down on terrorism, Chinese state agency Xinhua reported on Thursday, citing a joint action plan agreed by the two countries.

The plan came as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China and held meetings with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

According to Xinhua, the two countries will enhance security investment and coordination as part of the joint action plan.

Read more: China for eradicating breeding ground for terrorism

Amid the rising acts of terrorism, China last month said Beijing “will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its territorial integrity and national security”, as it cited rapid global changes and growing instability.

Read more: China to continue supporting Pakistan in guarding territorial integrity

In this connection, the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had told Shehbaz that “China supports Pakistan in resolutely cracking down on all forms of terrorism”.

Earlier on Tuesday, Xi had reiterated his country’s complete support to fight terrorism as Shehbaz appreciated Beijing’s unflinching support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socioeconomic development.

A readout from Chinese state news agency Xinhua read while quoting Xi as saying, “China supports Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.”

Xi also hoped that Islamabad would take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, creating a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

At the same time, he said China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength.

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“China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0,” he added.