National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): The top 40 intellectuals under the
umbrella of 101 Friends of China Assembly supported China’s stand on
South China Sea by adopting a Resolution in this regard.
The resolution expressed serious concern over the escalation
of tension in the South China and alarm over the military build up
in the recent weeks in the region, which was adopted unanimously.
Expressing solidarity with China, the resolution stressed that
the Permanent Court of Arbitration should conduct business strictly
within its jurisdiction and that its rulings should not be used as
an instrument to fuel tensions and disputes.
The resolution was presented in a meeting of the Islamabad-
based senior members of the Supreme Central Committee of the Friends
of Pakistan here on Monday, which was adopted unanimously.
It underlined that international arbitral institutions should
not be used for political purposes.
Moreover it also urged all parties concerned to avoid
provocative pronouncements and actions, exercise utmost restraint
and seek peaceful settlement through negotiations.
The resolution also emphasized that a peaceful resolution of
disputes through bilateral channels would reinforce the rule of law.
It also appreciated China’s historic and transformative One
Belt One Road initiative that is building confidence, fostering
peace and prosperity in the region and connecting Asia with Africa
and Europe.
It underscored that for the CPEC, the flagship project of One
Belt One Road, peace and stability in the region were imperative
Underlying the deep-rooted historical and strategic ties
between Pakistan and China, the resolution fully endorsed the
position taken by China on the South China Sea in regard to its
sovereignty over Nansha Islands and the surroundings waters.
It also took note of China’s declaration that it would
continue to fulfill regional and international responsibilities,
upheld the integrity and authority of the UNCLOS and other
international law and safeguard the rule of law.
It expressed hope that no steps would be taken to hurt China’s
sovereignty and security interests.
The resolution also called on all nations to work for building
common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for all
and urged all powers in the region to take steps to de-escalate the
situation, demilitarize the region and in doing so avoid
misjudgments that could lead to accidents or unintended
conflagration or World War III.
Deputy Head Mission, Embassy of China in Pakistan, Zhou Lijian
thanked the 101 Friends of China for supporting the genuine case of
China saying that this resolution was very much in time which showed
strong support from people of Pakistan to the people of China.
He said, China wanted to resolve the issue of South China Sea
peacefully through negotiation with its neighboring countries
including Vietnam and Philippines.