BEIJING, Oct 17 - A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan a �mothership of terrorism�, China today strongly defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan�s �great sacrifices�.
In a sharp reaction to a question about Modi�s characterisation of Pakistan at the BRICS Summit in Goa, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said China is opposed to linking any country to terrorism.
Answering a question on Modi�s criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said �on counter-terrorism, China�s position is consistent�.
�It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion,� she said. �We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries,� she said.
Noting that India and Pakistan are �all victims of terrorism�, she said Islamabad has made �great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community�.
To a question about Modi�s criticism that Pakistan continues to support anti-India terrorist groups giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is China�s view that international community should not take a stand on Islamabad�s support to terrorists, Hu said: �I understand your concern.� � PTI
