PHNOM PENH, June 19: China on Thursday supported Pakistan on membership in Asia-Pacific’s top security forum which has been blocked by India.
Beijing said Islamabad’s inclusion in the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) would allow the group to better exert its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“We’ve all along agreed with Pakistan becoming a member. China has all along adopted an open attitude towards allowing new members,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue told AFP.
“We value ARF’s role. Adding new members will help ARF better exert its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Zhang said.
Asean this week agreed to lift a freeze on ARF membership to include Pakistan in the 23-member grouping.—AFP
