Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday lauded Pakistan for its anti-terror campaign, especially for its support in the crackdown on separatists in the restive Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province, at a time when India is pressing Islamabad to contain cross-border terrorism.
Xi, on a two-day historic state visit to “all-weather” ally Pakistan, addressed a joint session of Pakistan’s parliament which is the first for any Chinese president.
Both China and Pakistan “share a common stake in security”, Xi told Parliament in a speech that was aired live nationally as he linked economic cooperation with security.
“Over the years Pakistan has overcome all kinds of difficulties and contributed greatly to the security and stability of China’s western border areas and this is something that we shall never forget,” Xi said.