CPEC hasn’t affected Kashmir stand: China

Beijing, May 24

China on Monday again defended its controversial USD 60 billion CPEC project with Pakistan, disregarding India’s protests as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying it is an economic initiative and has not affected its principled stand on the Kashmir issue.

India has protested to China over the CPEC, the flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The massive infrastructure project connects China’s Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. China has been defending the CPEC, saying it is an economic project not aimed at any third country.

When asked how China sees regional prosperity being furthered by the CPEC in view of India’s position that it passes through Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the project has not affected China’s principled position on Kashmir. — PTI