KARACHI, Sept 26: The Chinese intelligentsia, as well as the government, support a judicious settlement of the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions, a senior representative of the China Association for Peace and Disarmament (CAPD), Hou Shu Minh, said here on Thursday.

Addressing a meeting at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) here on Saturday, the speaker also referred to attempts by some other countries to settle the matter, but had failed to come forward with conducive options.

Minh was also critical of the unilateral approach adopted by certain states with regard to various global issues. “To safeguard world peace, countries must work within the framework of United Nations,” he stressed.

The Chinese guest cited mutual trust and understanding as the basis for peace, adding that political social, cultural and more importantly economic cooperation are the real key factors needed to promote peace and harmony. He also referred to concerted efforts made by the Chinese government to convince Pakistan and India to deescalate tension. According to him, the efforts prevented them from resorting to war.

The head of the CAPD delegation was highly appreciative of the role played by Pakistan in the post Sept 11 scenario, and took strong exception to pressures exerted on Pakistan by certain quarters under varied pretexts and pleas, again with particular reference to terrorism.

He said that China cherishes its time tested and lasting friendship with Pakistan, which during recent years appeared to have strengthened all the more.

Expressing his concern over the surge in the arms race between India and Pakistan, he said that China is not willing to participate in the race.

Chairman PIIA, Fatehyab Ali Khan, mentioned that peace was an absolute necessity for human beings, and disarmament was vital for the survival of the planet, and it would not be possible without justice.—APP