China welcomes India-Pak NSAs meeting

China today “commended” the meeting of the national security advisors of India and Pakistan saying that it is “pleased” to see both the countries restart the dialogue process to improve ties.

“As a friend and neighbour to India and Pakistan, China is pleased to see the momentum of the improvement and we commend their efforts,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here replying to a question on yesterday’s meeting of the two NSAs in Bangkok.

NSA Ajit Doval held talks with his Pakistan counterpart Lt Gen Nasir Khan Janjua breaking the ice between the two countries and discussed a host of issues, including peace and security, terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir.

“We sincerely hope that they can continue with the improvement and jointly contribute to the regional stability and development,” Hua said.

She also said that the meeting of the heads of the six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will meet at Jingzhou in China’s Hunan province.

The China-sponsored organisation focusing on security issues currently has six members – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan, who are till now observers in the grouping, are expected to become full members next year.

Indian officials said a ministerial delegation will take part in the meeting.