BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang has once again rejected the United States’ statement regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing a press briefing, Geng Shuang said that Beijing would continue to work with Pakistan for the steady progress of the project. He said that both China and Pakistan have refuted and clarified such smears again and again.
“Ms. Wells’ remarks are nothing new. They are a mere repetition of old slanders against China, the CPEC and the BRI like those chanted by some in the US,” said the spokesperson.
However, he added that some in the US still use the same old script and will not stop though the show has become a complete disaster.
China and Pakistan have clarified and refuted such smears time and again. However, some in the US still use the same old script. They don’t stop though the show has become a complete disaster, and they don’t get off the stage even when booed by the audience.
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According to the spokesperson, China is committed to the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits., and places Pakistan’s interests first. He said major progress has been achieved in CPEC, with early harvests reaped in 22 projects.
He said, “This has significantly improved local transportation infrastructure and power supply, created tens of thousands of jobs for Pakistanis.”
“It shows that the CPEC is playing an increasingly important role in boosting Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and improving people’s livelihood. Whether the CPEC works and whether China-Pakistan cooperation is good or not, the answer is presented to you in facts and data.”
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He added that according to the numbers released by Pakistan, debt incurred from CPEC stands at $4.9 billion which is less than 1/10 of Pakistan’s total debt.
He said, “I am afraid the US is not bad at math but rather misguided by evil calculations. If the US would like to help Pakistan, it should take concrete measures instead of paying lip service and being the spoiler.”
The spokesperson further said that if the US would like to conduct cooperation with Pakistan and help to accelerate its development, it should take concrete measures and honor its commitments instead of always paying lip service and being the spoiler.
The spokesperson further added, “Whatever the US says or does to sabotage our cooperation, China will work with Pakistan for steady progress in CPEC.”
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