Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement.&nbsp;

In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan.

The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them.&nbsp;

The logical question that arises is — &nbsp;if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009?&nbsp;

The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

“The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”.&nbsp;

Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.”

Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. &nbsp;

That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt.&nbsp;

Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so.

It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009.&nbsp;

Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way.&nbsp;

In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted.&nbsp;

It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity.

The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out.&nbsp;

It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist.&nbsp;

It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar.&nbsp;

It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror.&nbsp;

It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now.

Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit.&nbsp;

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019. This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar. Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement. In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan. The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them. The logical question that arises is — if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009? The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list. “The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”. Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.” Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt. Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so. It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009. Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way. In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted. It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity. The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang. If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out. It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist. It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar. It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror. It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now. Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Global terrorist’ tag on Masood Azhar is a major triumph for Indian strategic thinking and political sagacity

Indonesia, which is the president of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231">United Nations Security Council(UNSC)</a> for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-what-the-listing-of-masood-azhar-as-terrorist-means-215177/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations at a press conference, Indonesia's permanent representative Dian Triansyah Djani said, "Like to underline, its not just the function of the chair, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">all members of the committee</a> are working very hard. What is more important is not the role of the chair, but we have been able to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the committee and we have been able to have the listing"

&nbsp;

The chairperson of the United Nations sanctions committee had informed Indian envoy to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin that Masood Azhar has been listed on May 1st.

Asked about the dynamic at the UNSC, given the fact it became China vs the rest of the members of the top body of the secuity council, Indonesian envoy to UN said,"One thing is for sure, time for us to really work together, all the countries, regardless, of UNSC or other fora. We have been experiencing a lot of cases on terror attacks."

Explaining he said, "You know our stance on terrorism, we have been working very hard with others. We have been a victim of terrorism, and that precisely is the point, we took this responsibility...we trying to help in the fight against terror."

Meanwhile, the United Nations welcomed the fact all UNSC members were able to agree on the listing.The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric said, "It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions."

It took ten&nbsp;years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.&nbsp;

Indonesia, which is the president of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror.

Indonesia, which is the president of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) for the month of May 2019 and the chair of 1267 committee of the UNSC has said that listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist has preserved the sanctity and credibility of the council and focus is on fighting against terror. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations at a press conference, Indonesia's permanent representative Dian Triansyah Djani said, "Like to underline, its not just the function of the chair, all members of the committee are working very hard. What is more important is not the role of the chair, but we have been able to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the committee and we have been able to have the listing" The chairperson of the United Nations sanctions committee had informed Indian envoy to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin that Masood Azhar has been listed on May 1st. Asked about the dynamic at the UNSC, given the fact it became China vs the rest of the members of the top body of the secuity council, Indonesian envoy to UN said,"One thing is for sure, time for us to really work together, all the countries, regardless, of UNSC or other fora. We have been experiencing a lot of cases on terror attacks." Explaining he said, "You know our stance on terrorism, we have been working very hard with others. We have been a victim of terrorism, and that precisely is the point, we took this responsibility...we trying to help in the fight against terror." Meanwhile, the United Nations welcomed the fact all UNSC members were able to agree on the listing.The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric said, "It's always good when all member states of the security council agree on something. We would, of course, hope that all member states abide by those decisions." It took ten years for the listing of Masood Azhar. India had proposed the listing in 2009, but China had continued to block the listing citing lack of consensus. In March of 2019, when China had put a hold at the listing of Masood Azhar, 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backed his listing.

Masood Azhar listing: Rare bonhomie as UNSC president says sanctity preserved

How India moved at UNSC to designate Masood Azhar a global terrorist

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. "

The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. &nbsp;Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts."

The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama."

According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed.&nbsp;

India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists."&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this."

No negotiation on terror: MEA

The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation."

China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward."

The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory.

A day after United Nations listed Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish E Mohammed as a global terrorist India has the February 14 Pulwama terror attack played a role in his listing and asked demanding Islamabad takes "credible verifiable and irreversible action" against terrorist based on its territory. Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Raveesh Kumar at the weekly presser said, "for us, what is important, that he has been designated as a terrorist. I can tell u that the terror attack Pulwama did play a role in coming to the decision. " The spokesperson explained, "our objective, all along, has been the designation of Masood as a terrorist. The process started way back in 2009.In 2016-2017 another effort was made. Designation not based on specific incidence but on the basis of evidence which we shared the evidence with members of 1267 Committee linking Masood Azhar with various terror acts." The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday called the listing of Pakistani national Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as a "diplomatic victory" since according to them "the current listing proposal has been agreed after... removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama." According to UNSC notification on the UN website, Masood Azhar was listed for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts associated with Jaish-i-Mohammed. India termed the UN action as a huge diplomatic set back for Pakistan, one they "cant welcome or criticise", that is why they are picking up "holes which they think exists." Earlier in the day, finance minister Arun Jaitley responding to the same question on the omission of Pulwama from UNSC notification and said, "Listing and decision are not a biodata of Masood Azhar. They don't have to give his entire background. The core issue is he has been declared an international terrorist. He and his country have to face consequences of this." No negotiation on terror: MEA The MEA also dismissed reports of any negotiation with China regarding the listing of Azhar. Raveesh Kumar said, "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has given an explanation." China has been blocking the move to list Azhar for the last 10 years. India in 2009 had first proposed listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. While welcoming China's decision to lift the hold for the listing of Azhar, MEA said, "it was agreed during (Wuhan informal) summit, that in next summit in India, that we will try to take the spirit of Wuhan forward." The listing of Azhar as UN terrorist means an arms embargo will be put on him, along with a travel ban and his assets will be frozen.

Masood Azhar listing: India says Pulwama attack played a role; calls Pakistan to act on terror

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077"> Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar</a> as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-members-should-abide-by-un-sanctions-committees-decision-on-masood-azhar-un-chief-antonio-guterres-215365">global terrorist by the UN</a> and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

"We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar.

The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body.

In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice.

"Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added.

Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country.

India on Thursday welcomed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said that India would not “negotiate” with any country on matters related to the security of the country. "We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism and on matters related to the security of the country. China has already given its reason why the hold has been lifted," said Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar. The decision on Masood Azhar came a decade after it first pushed for banning the Pakistan-based terrorist by the world body. In its reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said Azhar's designation as a UN proscribed terrorist is a step in the right direction and that India will continue its efforts to bring terror groups and their leaders to justice. "Elements being introduced to divert attention from Pakistan on this diplomatic setback that they have suffered. They can't welcome the decision, they can’t criticize the decision, the only option left for them is to pick up some holes," Raveesh Kumar added. Meanwhile, reacting to the listing by the UN, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that it will "immediately enforce UN sanctions" imposed on Azhar. (With inputs from agencies)

We do not negotiate with any country on terrorism: India on Masood Azhar

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhars-terror-listing-huge-diplomatic-win-for-india-as-china-says-positive-progress-made-214766">Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief</a> Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today.

Geng Shuang, spokesperson of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-may-remove-hold-on-masood-azhars-terror-listing-at-un-sources-to-wion-214289">China's foreign ministry</a> had said on Monday that "at present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made."

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India has been pushing the UNSC to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move which gathered further momentum after the February 14th terror attack on a CRPF bus at Pulwama in which over 40 soldiers were killed.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Pak-based Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC.

"We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," China's spokesperson had said on Monday.

WION had reported on Sunday that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of Masood Azhar and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country for the Belt and Road forum.

British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith had said last week that his country supports listing of Masood as an international terrorist. Without taking China's name he had said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar".

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that all evidence of terrorist activities of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leader Masood Azhar had been shared with China.&nbsp;

China had earlier dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist&nbsp;

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today.

After China said "positive changes" had been made towards listing Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, Pakistan government sources said Masood Azhar will be detained for any pending FIRs after his listing is done today. Geng Shuang, spokesperson of China's foreign ministry had said on Monday that "at present, the relevant consultations are underway in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made." India has been pushing the UNSC to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move which gathered further momentum after the February 14th terror attack on a CRPF bus at Pulwama in which over 40 soldiers were killed. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Pak-based Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. "We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," China's spokesperson had said on Monday. WION had reported on Sunday that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of Masood Azhar and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country for the Belt and Road forum. British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith had said last week that his country supports listing of Masood as an international terrorist. Without taking China's name he had said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar". Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that all evidence of terrorist activities of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and its leader Masood Azhar had been shared with China. China had earlier dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist

Pak to detain Masood Azhar as China may lift 'technical hold' at UNSC: Sources

China on Wednesday dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Pakistan-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/listing-of-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-china-claims-positive-progress-made-207217">JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist but claimed that the vexed issue is moving towards settlement.

After the Pulwama attack, a fresh proposal to designate Azhar under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/masood-azhar-issue-and-crackdown-on-uighurs-put-china-in-a-tight-spot-207202">1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee</a> of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US.

However, China blocked the bid by putting a "technical hold" on the proposal. Following this, the US backed by the UK and France moved directly to UN Security Council (UNSC) to blacklist Azhar.

China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, had opposed the move, saying the issue should be resolved at the 1267 Committee itself which also functioned under the top UN body.

Reacting to reports that the three countries have fixed April 23 as deadline for China to lift its technical hold in the 1267 Committee or else they would press for a discussion on the issue at the UNSC itself, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, "I don't know where you get such information."

He said both the UNSC and its subsidiary body 1267 Committee have clear rules and procedures.

"You need to get clarification from the sources about where you get such information. China's position is very clear. This issue should be resolved through cooperation. We don't believe that any efforts without the consensus of members will achieve a satisfying results," he said.

"On the issue of listing Azhar, China's position remains unchanged. We also stay in communication with relevant parties. The matter is moving towards the direction of settlement," he said.

"The relevant parties are forcing new resolution through the UN Security Council. We firmly oppose that. In fact, the relevant discussion in UNSC, most member expressed the wish that this issue should be discussed within the 1267 committee and they don't hope to bypass it to handle the issue," he said.

Without directly referring to the US, Lu said, "We hope the relevant country can respect the opinion of most members of the UNSC to act in a cooperative manner and help this issue be properly resolved within the framework of the 1267 Committee."

China on Wednesday dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist but claimed that the vexed issue is moving towards settlement.

China on Wednesday dismissed reports that it had been served an ultimatum until April 23 by the US, UK and France to lift its "technical hold" on designating Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist but claimed that the vexed issue is moving towards settlement. After the Pulwama attack, a fresh proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US. However, China blocked the bid by putting a "technical hold" on the proposal. Following this, the US backed by the UK and France moved directly to UN Security Council (UNSC) to blacklist Azhar. China, a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, had opposed the move, saying the issue should be resolved at the 1267 Committee itself which also functioned under the top UN body. Reacting to reports that the three countries have fixed April 23 as deadline for China to lift its technical hold in the 1267 Committee or else they would press for a discussion on the issue at the UNSC itself, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, "I don't know where you get such information." He said both the UNSC and its subsidiary body 1267 Committee have clear rules and procedures. "You need to get clarification from the sources about where you get such information. China's position is very clear. This issue should be resolved through cooperation. We don't believe that any efforts without the consensus of members will achieve a satisfying results," he said. "On the issue of listing Azhar, China's position remains unchanged. We also stay in communication with relevant parties. The matter is moving towards the direction of settlement," he said. "The relevant parties are forcing new resolution through the UN Security Council. We firmly oppose that. In fact, the relevant discussion in UNSC, most member expressed the wish that this issue should be discussed within the 1267 committee and they don't hope to bypass it to handle the issue," he said. Without directly referring to the US, Lu said, "We hope the relevant country can respect the opinion of most members of the UNSC to act in a cooperative manner and help this issue be properly resolved within the framework of the 1267 Committee."

Firmly oppose forcing new resolution through UNSC on Masood Azhar: China

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. &nbsp;Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. It has been proved beyond doubt that China can’t be a trusted ally in the global war against terrorism.&nbsp;

China’s action is in direct contrast to the position it has maintained publicly that it is opposed to any form of terrorism. The reason d'être behind China’s avid desire to protect Jaish chief is beyond explanation. Is it only to help its staunchest ally Pakistan or something else?

China has pumped in billions of dollars in Pakistan and continues to do so. Its biggest ever infrastructure development plan – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – itself is worth close to 60 billion dollars. Moreover, over 30,000 Chinese people, including engineers and construction workers, are posted there. China apprehends that its projects could be in jeopardy if it signalled any change in its policy vis-à-vis Masood Azhar. In the past, several Chinese engineers involved in the project have been attacked and abducted, and later released by militants active in the restive Balochistan following intervention by Pakistan. That seems to be the prominent concern of China. In preventing the Pakistan-based terrorist from being declared as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, China is, in fact, protecting its assets and interests, more than anything else.

China’s opposition to proscribing Azhar is baffling given that Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council of which China is one of the five permanent members. The Jaish was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001, a year after its formation, following a deadly attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001, which had brought India and Pakistan on the verge of a fourth war. Strangely, China considers JeM an outlawed organisation, but not its leader? There seems to be a serious defect in the original charter of the United Nations which gave special powers to the P-5 countries. There is an urgent need for immediate rectification of this rule. Otherwise, any one permanent nation can keep on foiling adoption of any resolution. The best way is to introduce the rule of the majority within the five permanent members, otherwise, the international community would always be found wanting in arriving at any decision due to contradicting stand by one or other countries.

This is the fourth time that China has blocked a combined bid by the United States, France and the United Kingdom to declare Azhar a global terrorist by putting the proposal on a “technical hold” before eventually terminating it on the grounds that “there is no consensus” in the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council. &nbsp;How can there be a consensus if one country (read China) continues with its unprincipled stand on Azhar? In 2017 also, it was the odd nation out in the 15-member Security Council when the P3 nations – the US, UK and France – sought to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would have entailed his travel ban and freezing of assets. While the proposal had the approval of all the other 14 members of the Security Council, it was China which censored it. Needless to say, China is misusing its veto power.

The dichotomy between China’s alleged commitment to fight terrorism and its action is quite evident as it is a signatory to the Xiamen Declaration signed in September 2017 at the 9th BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen. The Xiamen Declaration had called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition. Moreover, it was also a party to a decision of the five-member BRICS nations summit in Xiamen which had called for decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan terming them as a security concern in the region. Some of the groups mentioned in the declaration included Taliban (Islamic State)..., Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The last two groups have been involved in several deadly attacks against India, including the latest one in Pulwama in which at least 40 paramilitary soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack, and which was claimed by Jaish.

What is China’s compulsion in protecting Azhar, who is, no doubt, a prized asset for Pakistan? Well, if the United Nations declares Azhar a global terrorist, then Pakistan will be compelled to arrest him and seize his assets. &nbsp;And this is something the Imran Khan government can’t afford to do fearing violence by an army of militants prepared by Azhar. Besides, Azhar has deep influence in the rural pockets of the country through his seminaries. His popularity soared during the devastating earthquake in 2005 when his seminaries provided financial and medical assistance to the affected people while the government agencies were found lacking in evacuation and rehabilitation works. Secondly and most importantly, he enjoys the support of the Pakistani army. Does Imran Khan, who himself has been propped up by the army, have the guts to go after Azhar? Your guess is as good as mine.

China, too, is aware of the predicament of its all-weather ally. &nbsp;Therefore, it has been repeatedly blocking any attempt to outlaw Azhar even at the expense of its own image. But while doing so, China risks global isolation.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. It has been proved beyond doubt that China can’t be a trusted ally in the global war against terrorism. China’s action is in direct contrast to the position it has maintained publicly that it is opposed to any form of terrorism. The reason d'être behind China’s avid desire to protect Jaish chief is beyond explanation. Is it only to help its staunchest ally Pakistan or something else? China has pumped in billions of dollars in Pakistan and continues to do so. Its biggest ever infrastructure development plan – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – itself is worth close to 60 billion dollars. Moreover, over 30,000 Chinese people, including engineers and construction workers, are posted there. China apprehends that its projects could be in jeopardy if it signalled any change in its policy vis-à-vis Masood Azhar. In the past, several Chinese engineers involved in the project have been attacked and abducted, and later released by militants active in the restive Balochistan following intervention by Pakistan. That seems to be the prominent concern of China. In preventing the Pakistan-based terrorist from being declared as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, China is, in fact, protecting its assets and interests, more than anything else. China’s opposition to proscribing Azhar is baffling given that Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council of which China is one of the five permanent members. The Jaish was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001, a year after its formation, following a deadly attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001, which had brought India and Pakistan on the verge of a fourth war. Strangely, China considers JeM an outlawed organisation, but not its leader? There seems to be a serious defect in the original charter of the United Nations which gave special powers to the P-5 countries. There is an urgent need for immediate rectification of this rule. Otherwise, any one permanent nation can keep on foiling adoption of any resolution. The best way is to introduce the rule of the majority within the five permanent members, otherwise, the international community would always be found wanting in arriving at any decision due to contradicting stand by one or other countries. This is the fourth time that China has blocked a combined bid by the United States, France and the United Kingdom to declare Azhar a global terrorist by putting the proposal on a “technical hold” before eventually terminating it on the grounds that “there is no consensus” in the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council. How can there be a consensus if one country (read China) continues with its unprincipled stand on Azhar? In 2017 also, it was the odd nation out in the 15-member Security Council when the P3 nations – the US, UK and France – sought to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would have entailed his travel ban and freezing of assets. While the proposal had the approval of all the other 14 members of the Security Council, it was China which censored it. Needless to say, China is misusing its veto power. The dichotomy between China’s alleged commitment to fight terrorism and its action is quite evident as it is a signatory to the Xiamen Declaration signed in September 2017 at the 9th BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen. The Xiamen Declaration had called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition. Moreover, it was also a party to a decision of the five-member BRICS nations summit in Xiamen which had called for decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan terming them as a security concern in the region. Some of the groups mentioned in the declaration included Taliban (Islamic State)..., Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The last two groups have been involved in several deadly attacks against India, including the latest one in Pulwama in which at least 40 paramilitary soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack, and which was claimed by Jaish. What is China’s compulsion in protecting Azhar, who is, no doubt, a prized asset for Pakistan? Well, if the United Nations declares Azhar a global terrorist, then Pakistan will be compelled to arrest him and seize his assets. And this is something the Imran Khan government can’t afford to do fearing violence by an army of militants prepared by Azhar. Besides, Azhar has deep influence in the rural pockets of the country through his seminaries. His popularity soared during the devastating earthquake in 2005 when his seminaries provided financial and medical assistance to the affected people while the government agencies were found lacking in evacuation and rehabilitation works. Secondly and most importantly, he enjoys the support of the Pakistani army. Does Imran Khan, who himself has been propped up by the army, have the guts to go after Azhar? Your guess is as good as mine. China, too, is aware of the predicament of its all-weather ally. Therefore, it has been repeatedly blocking any attempt to outlaw Azhar even at the expense of its own image. But while doing so, China risks global isolation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

China blocking UN ban on Masood Azhar proves it can’t be a trusted ally in global war against terrorism

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week. The salient feature of this ongoing national congress signifies how the defence spending rate is outpacing economic growth rate despite ongoing tariff war and rising debts in belt and road projects in many parts of the world. In this background, with utmost importance, one needs to analyse the implications of defence spending and economic growth rates for the year 2019 and beyond.   &nbsp;

Recently, Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang announced a projected GDP growth rate between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2019. He himself, earlier on many counts, mentioned about the manipulation in provided provincial economic data and statistics. For this, perhaps Chinese meritocratic system needs to blamed, where the success of provincial leaders to climb the CCP hierarchy ladder is primarily based on the economic performance of their province. &nbsp;

Thanks to Brookings Institution which, in the latest report, mentions that in 2017, the actual Chinese GDP was $10.77 trillion with the GDP growth rate at 4.9 per cent. For the same period, however, the overstated official figures on Chinese GDP was $12.24 trillion with the GDP growth rate of 6.9 per cent.  &nbsp;

Capital Economics one of the leading independent economic research companies recently reveals that China’s actual growth rate will be around 4.5 per cent for the period of 2018-2022; 2.8 per cent for the period of 2023-2030; and 1.5 per cent in the following decade. Against this backdrop of economic slowdown, China is pursuing a sort of foreign-economic relations to reclaim centre-stage in world politics. In this regard, the two latest incidents are worth mentioning to understand the Chinese foreign policy decision-making process through a realist lens in world politics. &nbsp;

Sino-Indian relations have been always bumpier but, it seems that both countries somehow learned to safeguard their national interests in multilateral forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. India is the first country, who refused to join belt and road initiative (BRI) on the ground of sovereignty concern in China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) and non-transparency in dual-use (i.e. civil and military) infrastructure investments. One might argue that China is using terrorism as a foreign policy tool in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maximise their geopolitical gains at the cost of the brutal killing of innocent civilians for example, China has put a technical hold fourth time on Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

China-Russia strategic partnership is not going through the best phase in their bilateral relationships too. In the latest event Gou Yunhai, a diplomat in the Chinese embassy of Moscow sent an offensive letter to the editorial team of Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG). In an attempt to curb the freedom of the Russian press, the diplomat demanded the immediate deletion of the published article regarding slowdown of the Chinese economy. Moreover, he also threatened the author of the published piece, Anastasia Bashkatova, deputy head of the economics department of the NG to put on the blacklist as a punishment to deny the possibility of any future visit to China. In the published piece, she mentioned about possible forthcoming social instability due to rising unemployment and poor health-care facilities in China. Then after referred the period between 2010 and 2018, where Chinese growth rate slowed down from 10.6 per cent to 6.6 per cent in accordance with the international monetary funds. Furthermore, she highlighted that due to fall in exports, unavailability of cheap labour and low domestic demands, this declining economic trend is going to be continued in the coming years too.  &nbsp;

Another takeaway is regarding the official Chinese narrative of slowing defence spending when indigenous military modernisation programme is in full swing. In 2019, China’s defence spending allocation is $177.5 billion in comparison with $750 billion for the US military budget. However, many believe that the actual Chinese defence spending is three times more than the official statistics for any given year. International Institute for Strategic Studies 2018 report mentions that China has launched more indigenous submarines, warships, amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. An introduction of indigenous twin-engine J-20 stealth fighter has added another feather in the Chinese air power cap.  &nbsp;

Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG) quoted Wang Yongfei, a Chinese defence expert that despite the ongoing tariff war, China will not cut the budget for 04 aircraft carriers scheduled to be deployed by 2022. Many Russian strategic experts believe that with such large-scale financing, almost four times Russian defence spending, China has the potential to overtake Russia in terms of military power in the foreseeable future.  &nbsp;

In the backdrop of growing Chinese military prowess, hence one should ponder about some important questions: To what extent, China has leverage in political interference of the liberal democratic world order? Does China really need a military alliance to reclaim a centre-stage in world politics? Is China destined to fall into Thucydides’ trap? What will be the status of freedom of navigation in south china sea, east china sea, Taiwan Strait and Indo-pacific region in the future? Indeed, interesting times are ahead however, at this critical moment one can conclude the uncertainty in world politics is the only certain thing.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week.

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week. The salient feature of this ongoing national congress signifies how the defence spending rate is outpacing economic growth rate despite ongoing tariff war and rising debts in belt and road projects in many parts of the world. In this background, with utmost importance, one needs to analyse the implications of defence spending and economic growth rates for the year 2019 and beyond.    Recently, Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang announced a projected GDP growth rate between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2019. He himself, earlier on many counts, mentioned about the manipulation in provided provincial economic data and statistics. For this, perhaps Chinese meritocratic system needs to blamed, where the success of provincial leaders to climb the CCP hierarchy ladder is primarily based on the economic performance of their province.  Thanks to Brookings Institution which, in the latest report, mentions that in 2017, the actual Chinese GDP was $10.77 trillion with the GDP growth rate at 4.9 per cent. For the same period, however, the overstated official figures on Chinese GDP was $12.24 trillion with the GDP growth rate of 6.9 per cent.   Capital Economics one of the leading independent economic research companies recently reveals that China’s actual growth rate will be around 4.5 per cent for the period of 2018-2022; 2.8 per cent for the period of 2023-2030; and 1.5 per cent in the following decade. Against this backdrop of economic slowdown, China is pursuing a sort of foreign-economic relations to reclaim centre-stage in world politics. In this regard, the two latest incidents are worth mentioning to understand the Chinese foreign policy decision-making process through a realist lens in world politics.  Sino-Indian relations have been always bumpier but, it seems that both countries somehow learned to safeguard their national interests in multilateral forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. India is the first country, who refused to join belt and road initiative (BRI) on the ground of sovereignty concern in China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) and non-transparency in dual-use (i.e. civil and military) infrastructure investments. One might argue that China is using terrorism as a foreign policy tool in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maximise their geopolitical gains at the cost of the brutal killing of innocent civilians for example, China has put a technical hold fourth time on Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. China-Russia strategic partnership is not going through the best phase in their bilateral relationships too. In the latest event Gou Yunhai, a diplomat in the Chinese embassy of Moscow sent an offensive letter to the editorial team of Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG). In an attempt to curb the freedom of the Russian press, the diplomat demanded the immediate deletion of the published article regarding slowdown of the Chinese economy. Moreover, he also threatened the author of the published piece, Anastasia Bashkatova, deputy head of the economics department of the NG to put on the blacklist as a punishment to deny the possibility of any future visit to China. In the published piece, she mentioned about possible forthcoming social instability due to rising unemployment and poor health-care facilities in China. Then after referred the period between 2010 and 2018, where Chinese growth rate slowed down from 10.6 per cent to 6.6 per cent in accordance with the international monetary funds. Furthermore, she highlighted that due to fall in exports, unavailability of cheap labour and low domestic demands, this declining economic trend is going to be continued in the coming years too.   Another takeaway is regarding the official Chinese narrative of slowing defence spending when indigenous military modernisation programme is in full swing. In 2019, China’s defence spending allocation is $177.5 billion in comparison with $750 billion for the US military budget. However, many believe that the actual Chinese defence spending is three times more than the official statistics for any given year. International Institute for Strategic Studies 2018 report mentions that China has launched more indigenous submarines, warships, amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. An introduction of indigenous twin-engine J-20 stealth fighter has added another feather in the Chinese air power cap.   Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG) quoted Wang Yongfei, a Chinese defence expert that despite the ongoing tariff war, China will not cut the budget for 04 aircraft carriers scheduled to be deployed by 2022. Many Russian strategic experts believe that with such large-scale financing, almost four times Russian defence spending, China has the potential to overtake Russia in terms of military power in the foreseeable future.   In the backdrop of growing Chinese military prowess, hence one should ponder about some important questions: To what extent, China has leverage in political interference of the liberal democratic world order? Does China really need a military alliance to reclaim a centre-stage in world politics? Is China destined to fall into Thucydides’ trap? What will be the status of freedom of navigation in south china sea, east china sea, Taiwan Strait and Indo-pacific region in the future? Indeed, interesting times are ahead however, at this critical moment one can conclude the uncertainty in world politics is the only certain thing. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Decoding China's objection to UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar

it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time. China has repeated the old story of putting "technical hold" on the proposal asking for more time. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27, days after the fidayeen attack of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama.

How does it matter for India?&nbsp;

If the proposal was accepted, it would have amounted to the freezer of JeM assets, future funding and travel ban on Masood Azhar. Realistically, none of these measures would have affected the terror activities of JeM, which has earlier been declared as US-designated terror organisation. 
 
The funding through the unauthorised route is business as usual by attaching some of its members with any nominated social welfare organisation.

In nutshell, India has to continue dealing with terror activities of JeM with or without the imposition of the UNSC ban. India has to show the resolve to deal with JeM itself, for which it has all the options, overt as well as covert, on the table. The UNSC ban on Azhar was thus a symbolic exercise which must continue with similar zeal to rebuild the diplomatic pressure after six months when it can be reconsidered because naming and shaming in UN platform has its own importance. &nbsp;

How is China affected?&nbsp;

Chinese considerations in blocking the ban are governed by its own perceived national interest. China has to protect its economic investment in CPEC including its safe future operation and safety of over 5000 workers from terrorist groups, which are controlled by the Pakistan army and ISI. China also wants to retain leverage in terms of Masood Azhar against India for opposing CPEC and BRI. There seems to be an understanding between China and Pakistan for not training ETIM terrorists causing trouble in Xinjiang province of China and a promise to look the other way when Chinese cause atrocities on Uighur Muslims. In any case, Pakistan’s relation with China is that of a client state being protected by the dragon. China was also not too happy with Indian resolve exhibited in air strikes in Balakot.

This decision of China is marred with some risks as well. China after this action remains isolated with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and does not project itself as a world power in making by this petty politics. It has also pushed India few notches closer to the western world, risking a promising Indian market. 
 
Options for India &nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems evident that by blocking the bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist China has much more to lose than India. India has to continue with the policy of offensive defence with all options to get rid of the terrorists emanating from Pakistan soil and continue the proxy war in India. 
 
India needs to develop the capacity for the same; hence start with steps to enhance its ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) because strategic partnerships will have to be developed with like-minded nations.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time.

it's not a surprise for any strategist that China has blocked India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist for the fourth time. China has repeated the old story of putting "technical hold" on the proposal asking for more time. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, UK and the US on February 27, days after the fidayeen attack of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama. How does it matter for India? If the proposal was accepted, it would have amounted to the freezer of JeM assets, future funding and travel ban on Masood Azhar. Realistically, none of these measures would have affected the terror activities of JeM, which has earlier been declared as US-designated terror organisation. The funding through the unauthorised route is business as usual by attaching some of its members with any nominated social welfare organisation. In nutshell, India has to continue dealing with terror activities of JeM with or without the imposition of the UNSC ban. India has to show the resolve to deal with JeM itself, for which it has all the options, overt as well as covert, on the table. The UNSC ban on Azhar was thus a symbolic exercise which must continue with similar zeal to rebuild the diplomatic pressure after six months when it can be reconsidered because naming and shaming in UN platform has its own importance. How is China affected? Chinese considerations in blocking the ban are governed by its own perceived national interest. China has to protect its economic investment in CPEC including its safe future operation and safety of over 5000 workers from terrorist groups, which are controlled by the Pakistan army and ISI. China also wants to retain leverage in terms of Masood Azhar against India for opposing CPEC and BRI. There seems to be an understanding between China and Pakistan for not training ETIM terrorists causing trouble in Xinjiang province of China and a promise to look the other way when Chinese cause atrocities on Uighur Muslims. In any case, Pakistan’s relation with China is that of a client state being protected by the dragon. China was also not too happy with Indian resolve exhibited in air strikes in Balakot. This decision of China is marred with some risks as well. China after this action remains isolated with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and does not project itself as a world power in making by this petty politics. It has also pushed India few notches closer to the western world, risking a promising Indian market. Options for India It seems evident that by blocking the bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a global terrorist China has much more to lose than India. India has to continue with the policy of offensive defence with all options to get rid of the terrorists emanating from Pakistan soil and continue the proxy war in India. India needs to develop the capacity for the same; hence start with steps to enhance its ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) because strategic partnerships will have to be developed with like-minded nations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

UN ban on Masood Azhar: Pakistan is drawing its strength from China

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.&nbsp;

Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. 
 
We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. 
 
It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. 
 
Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. 
 
At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’.&nbsp; 
 
Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash.

India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power.

Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation.&nbsp; 
 
Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India.&nbsp; 
 
It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria.

Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

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The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea. Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’. Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash. India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power. Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation. Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India. It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria. Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India needs to recast its neighbourhood policies as China remains cryptic on Masood Azhar

The killing of over 40 men in uniform in Pulwama has shocked the nation out of a stupor. This is, first of all, a time of mourning and saluting the martyrs.&nbsp;

The bereaved families must be left in no doubt that the whole nation shares their loss. Condolences aren’t enough- relief must follow swiftly. There can be no compensation for lives lost or limbs severed. Still, families of those who have shed their blood to protect the nation should not feel orphaned. This is the first priority.

But we can’t remain petrified in a state of shock for long. Words like dastardly, cowardly and barbaric have been used ad nauseam to condemn such terrorist attacks. They have lost all meaning. Our resolve to ‘give a fitting reply' to a treacherous neighbour at an opportune time’ has begun to sound a cliche.&nbsp;

At this moment of national grief and unprecedented anger let’s not quibble about lapses and options. What we need to agree on is to treat Pakistan like a pariah. Our diplomacy, of course, will exert to isolate the rogue and the failed state.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, this poses no problem. As long as it’s patrons - the USA and People’s Republic of China continue to protect Pakistan, it will gleefully continue its proxy war via terrorist attacks mounted from its soil.&nbsp;

No one should live in the fatal fool’s paradise that there has been a change of heart with a change of guard in Islamabad. Imran Khan remains a helpless puppet manipulated by those who pull all the strings behind the curtain. Unfortunately for India, this is no innocent performance but truly a dance macabre.&nbsp;

The armed forces in Pakistan and the ISI continue on a reckless path because they have been reassured time and again by the US and China that as long as they stand with it, India dare not retaliate.

Ever since Pakistan acquired what it likes to call the 'Islamic Nuclear Bomb' it has harboured megalomaniac dreams of parity with India founded on a balance of terror.

The Pakistan generals have fed their people a totally different narrative on 1965, 1971 and Kargil. As far as they are concerned the strategy of a ‘War of Thousand Cuts’ has served them well. Disaffection in the state of J&amp;K has grown thanks to Pakistan sponsoring agitators demanding ‘Azadi’ that goes far beyond autonomy and creates the dangerous mirage of Independence after cessation.&nbsp;

Let us rid ourselves of the illusion that Pakistan is a normal nation-state committed to respecting other’s sovereignty. It has no respect for rule of law. Either domestic or international. What late Kuldip Nayyar called distant neighbours have become deadly enemies next door. India is left with no choice but to reciprocate the sentiment of belligerence.&nbsp; 
 
It is not out of place to remind ourselves that the Father of the Nation, an Apostle of Peace and Non-Violence, had nothing against taking up arms against an aggressor. We are conscious that this is the 150th anniversary of the Mahatma’s birth but Pakistan is an immoral bully that can’t be tamed by ahimsa and satyagraha. We have already suffered heavy losses trying to continue a meaningless dialogue or to normalise relations through unilateral confidence-building&nbsp;measures. Enough is Enough.&nbsp;

Time to defang the venomous reptile. This doesn’t mean a hasty surgical strike. Pakistan and its allies, patrons and protectors&nbsp;should be made to pay an economic and political price. No doubt this will hurt us too. &nbsp;But can we live with shame swallowing our pride? What is the guarantee that India will be allowed to develop and prosper once we succumb to sinister designs of a treacherous neighbour encouraged by unreliable strategic and significant economic partners.

Pulwama should be seen as the decisive moment when we review and rework our external relations especially with neighbours big and small, the USA, China and Islamic countries. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

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The killing of over 40 men in uniform in Pulwama has shocked the nation out of a stupor. This is, first of all, a time of mourning and saluting the martyrs. The bereaved families must be left in no doubt that the whole nation shares their loss.

The killing of over 40 men in uniform in Pulwama has shocked the nation out of a stupor. This is, first of all, a time of mourning and saluting the martyrs. The bereaved families must be left in no doubt that the whole nation shares their loss. Condolences aren’t enough- relief must follow swiftly. There can be no compensation for lives lost or limbs severed. Still, families of those who have shed their blood to protect the nation should not feel orphaned. This is the first priority. But we can’t remain petrified in a state of shock for long. Words like dastardly, cowardly and barbaric have been used ad nauseam to condemn such terrorist attacks. They have lost all meaning. Our resolve to ‘give a fitting reply' to a treacherous neighbour at an opportune time’ has begun to sound a cliche. At this moment of national grief and unprecedented anger let’s not quibble about lapses and options. What we need to agree on is to treat Pakistan like a pariah. Our diplomacy, of course, will exert to isolate the rogue and the failed state. For Pakistan, this poses no problem. As long as it’s patrons - the USA and People’s Republic of China continue to protect Pakistan, it will gleefully continue its proxy war via terrorist attacks mounted from its soil. No one should live in the fatal fool’s paradise that there has been a change of heart with a change of guard in Islamabad. Imran Khan remains a helpless puppet manipulated by those who pull all the strings behind the curtain. Unfortunately for India, this is no innocent performance but truly a dance macabre. The armed forces in Pakistan and the ISI continue on a reckless path because they have been reassured time and again by the US and China that as long as they stand with it, India dare not retaliate. Ever since Pakistan acquired what it likes to call the 'Islamic Nuclear Bomb' it has harboured megalomaniac dreams of parity with India founded on a balance of terror. The Pakistan generals have fed their people a totally different narrative on 1965, 1971 and Kargil. As far as they are concerned the strategy of a ‘War of Thousand Cuts’ has served them well. Disaffection in the state of J&K has grown thanks to Pakistan sponsoring agitators demanding ‘Azadi’ that goes far beyond autonomy and creates the dangerous mirage of Independence after cessation. Let us rid ourselves of the illusion that Pakistan is a normal nation-state committed to respecting other’s sovereignty. It has no respect for rule of law. Either domestic or international. What late Kuldip Nayyar called distant neighbours have become deadly enemies next door. India is left with no choice but to reciprocate the sentiment of belligerence. It is not out of place to remind ourselves that the Father of the Nation, an Apostle of Peace and Non-Violence, had nothing against taking up arms against an aggressor. We are conscious that this is the 150th anniversary of the Mahatma’s birth but Pakistan is an immoral bully that can’t be tamed by ahimsa and satyagraha. We have already suffered heavy losses trying to continue a meaningless dialogue or to normalise relations through unilateral confidence-building measures. Enough is Enough. Time to defang the venomous reptile. This doesn’t mean a hasty surgical strike. Pakistan and its allies, patrons and protectors should be made to pay an economic and political price. No doubt this will hurt us too. But can we live with shame swallowing our pride? What is the guarantee that India will be allowed to develop and prosper once we succumb to sinister designs of a treacherous neighbour encouraged by unreliable strategic and significant economic partners. Pulwama should be seen as the decisive moment when we review and rework our external relations especially with neighbours big and small, the USA, China and Islamic countries. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama terror attack: Enough is enough, we need to treat Pakistan like a pariah

China on Tuesday indicated that it would once again block a UN ban on Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, claiming &quot;terrorism-related&quot; disagreements continued to prevail among members in the UN Committee.

Asked whether there had been any progress in China&#39;s repeated technical holds on India&#39;s move to get Masood Azhar banned, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, &quot;At present, some members have disagreement over the listing matter. And China stands ready to remain in coordination and communication with the relevant parties on this issue.&quot;

&quot;We have talked about our position many times. We believe that the principles of objectivity and professionalism and justice shall be upheld,&quot; he added. 
 
China&#39;s comments came in response to a question on the Azhar issue ahead of its review by the 1267 Committee of the UN next month.

China says solid evidence is required to implicate the JeM leader.&nbsp;

India has been asserting that it has &quot;solid evidence&quot; since the actions the Pakistan-based terrorist leader are well documented. 
 
China has repeatedly put technical holds on applications by India and other countries including US to declare Azhar a terrorist for his role in the Pathankot terror attack.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who held strategic dialogue with Chinese officials in February here, said, &quot;in the case of Azhar, Jaish itself is proscribed under 1267. So the proof is in 1267 committee action. In this case what he has done, extent of his actions are well documented.&quot;

&quot;It is not that the burden of proof is on India to convince. The sponsors (US and other countries) seem to be very well convinced otherwise they would not have taken the initiative to move the proposal,&quot; he had said, referring to the US, the UK and France pressing for action on Azhar.

The 1267 Committee consists&nbsp;of members of the UN Security Council.

 
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China's comments came in response to a question on the Azhar issue ahead of its review by the 1267 Committee of the UN next month

China on Tuesday indicated that it would once again block a UN ban on Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, claiming "terrorism-related" disagreements continued to prevail among members in the UN Committee. Asked whether there had been any progress in China's repeated technical holds on India's move to get Masood Azhar banned, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "At present, some members have disagreement over the listing matter. And China stands ready to remain in coordination and communication with the relevant parties on this issue." "We have talked about our position many times. We believe that the principles of objectivity and professionalism and justice shall be upheld," he added. China's comments came in response to a question on the Azhar issue ahead of its review by the 1267 Committee of the UN next month. China says solid evidence is required to implicate the JeM leader. India has been asserting that it has "solid evidence" since the actions the Pakistan-based terrorist leader are well documented. China has repeatedly put technical holds on applications by India and other countries including US to declare Azhar a terrorist for his role in the Pathankot terror attack. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who held strategic dialogue with Chinese officials in February here, said, "in the case of Azhar, Jaish itself is proscribed under 1267. So the proof is in 1267 committee action. In this case what he has done, extent of his actions are well documented." "It is not that the burden of proof is on India to convince. The sponsors (US and other countries) seem to be very well convinced otherwise they would not have taken the initiative to move the proposal," he had said, referring to the US, the UK and France pressing for action on Azhar. The 1267 Committee consists of members of the UN Security Council.

China may again block India's move to ban JeM terrorist Masood Azhar