Ready for consensus NSG but opposed to UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar: China

Beijing: Ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India, China on Monday said it is "ready" for talks with India on its entry into the NSG but defended extending a hold on India's bid for a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar, saying Beijing is opposed to anyone making "political gains in the name of counter-terrorism".

1. China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong again harped on the need to build consensus over the admission of new members in the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

 

2. Li Baodong asked if any progress on the issue of India's admission into NSG can be expected in the meeting between Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Li said NSG rules stipulate consensus among the members to admit new ones

 

3. These rules are not to be decided by China alone. On the issue, China and India have maintained good communication and we are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well:Li

 

4. Things need to be in keeping up with procedures, norms and regulations of the NSG

 

5. On this issue, China position is consistent. That is why China has often said international law must be observed," Li said

Xi will travel to Goa to attend the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held between October 15-16. The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. While India has blamed one country, without naming China, for stalling its membership in the NSG, both the countries held talks recently to iron out differences.