China condemns US envoy Alice Wells’ remarks on CPEC

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has responded to remarks by outgoing US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells on the China-Pakistan relations and the CPEC project.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan termed the remarks as irresponsible and totally baseless, terming it an attempt to defame China-Pakistan relations.

“Her speech is totally baseless, just a repetition of her same old tune. This is yet another doomed attempt to defame Sino-Pak relations and the CPEC. We are firmly opposed to it,” the embassy said in a statement.

It further said today marks the 69th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan and the two countries have established and consolidated an all-weather friendship.

“We respect each other and support each other. We cooperate for common prosperity. We work together to promote regional peace and stability” it said.

The embassy said that during the current fight against COVID-19, China and Pakistan stand together and China donated medical equipment and materials of more than $55 million to Pakistan.

“We take Pakistan as an equal partner and never asked Pakistan to “do more”. We support Pakistan’s own model of development and never intervene its domestic affairs. We highlight Pakistan’s responsible role in regional affairs and never exert pressure,” read the statement.

It further said that CPEC is an important cooperation project between the Governments of China and Pakistan. It has always adhered to the principles of mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, openness and transparency.

The embassy said that since the outbreak, there has been no infection on CPEC projects due to strict measures taken by the both sides. Chinese companies have not suspended construction or lay off any local staff. CPEC will give new impetus to Pakistan’s economic revival even in the post COVID-19 period.

It added that China knows the impact of the COVID-19 on Pakistan’s economy and is sparing no effort to help Pakistan address the challenge. 

“We have no intention to comment on the Pakistan-US relations, but we hope the USA can show basic respect to the choice by China and Pakistan. Irresponsible speech and unscrupulous blames won’t help.”

“We also hope the USA will abandon its cold war and zero-sum mentality, fulfill its responsibilities, extend due respect and give concrete assistance to Pakistan. We need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA,” it added.