BEIJING: China today said it is ready to hold talks with India to resolvetheir differences on the contentious USD 50 billion China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor (CPEC) that passes through PoK.
Asked about Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale’s interview tostate-run Global Times in which he had said that differences on the CPECshould not be swept under the carpet, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswomanHua Chunying said China is willing to hold talks with India in this regard.
“I noted the relevant report. Regarding the CPEC, China has repeatedlyreiterated our position. As to the differences between China and India,China stands ready to communicate and hold talks with India to seek aproper solution so that these differences will not affect our generalnational interests.
This best serves the interests of the two countries,” she said.
As to any differences arising between the two countries, they can beresolved with sincerity and mutual respect, she said, adding that theparties can seek proper solution for management of the differences.
“We should not ask one party alone to solve this problem.
We are willing to work with India to work with dialogue and communicationfor a better solution,” she said.
“CPEC is merely an economic cooperation project. It has not targeted anythird party. We hope the Indian side can put this in perspective and westand ready to strengthen cooperation with the Indian side,” she said.
India has objected to the USD 50 billion CPEC as it passes throughPakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The CPEC is a network of infrastructure projects that are currently underconstruction throughout Pakistan that will connect China’s Xinjiangprovince with Gwadar port in Pakistan’s Balochistan provincial. – PTI