China on Tuesday said that Pakistani government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to voice its support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which they believe serves the long-term development interest of their country.
“You may just have noticed some aspects of the media reports. Recently we did notice various media reports on the building of the CPEC citing different sources. The fact is that if you could adopt a comprehensive perspective regarding the new Pakistani government’s attitude towards the CPEC, you will notice that the Pakistani government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan continues to voice their support for the CPEC which they believe serves the long-term development of their country,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang’s told a regular press briefing when asked about reports that Pakistan had reduced the loan from China under the CPEC for rail projects and that the new government was planning to review the project.
“A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also made it clear that Pakistan’s debt burden is not caused by relevant cooperation projects of the CPEC. Instead, it pointed out that the CPEC will strengthen Pakistan’s capability for development over the long haul,” he said.
“I still believe that it is important to know that the CPEC is conducive to enhancing connectivity and realizing enduring prosperity in the region. This certainly conforms to the interests of Pakistan and other regional countries,” the spokesperson said. “Since its inception, the CPEC, as an important project of the Belt and Road Initiative, has been advanced by the Chinese and Pakistani governments under the principle of consultation and contribution for shared benefits. Everyone should recognize that.
Published in Daily Times, October 10th 2018.
