ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson reiterated support for the One-China Policy on Monday, days after news reports claimed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended a meeting by a group in Washington opposed to the Chinese state.
Local and international news outlets reported last week that Naqvi had attended an event in Washington by the New Federal State of China (NFSC), a political movement opposed to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Pakistani interior minister is in the United States to engage American lawmakers on issues of mutual concern, including militancy.
Naqvi denied the allegations while speaking to reporters on Sunday, describing them as “propaganda.” The minister said he had attended an event by US-based public relations firm Gunster Strategies in Washington, categorically stating that it was not opposed to the Chinese state.
Pakistan has always backed the One-China Policy, which is the diplomatic acknowledgment of Beijing’s stance that there is only one Chinese government. China uses this policy to form the basis of its ties with other countries regarding the status of Taiwan.
“Responding to media speculations, the spokesperson categorically rejected baseless and unfounded allegations to target Pakistan-China friendship,” the foreign office spokesperson said. “He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the foundational principle of the One-China Policy which is a consistent cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and remains unchanged.”
The spokesperson described China as Pakistan’s “all-weather strategic partner,” saying their bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, shared values, support on issues of core concern and a commitment to regional and global stability.
China, a major ally and investor in Pakistan, has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to connect various countries around the globe through trade.
