China shares our concerns about Pakistan, can play useful role: US
January 07, 2018  14:04
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China could play a "helpful role" in convincing Pakistan that it is in its national interest to crackdown on terror safe havens, a senior White House official has said.

The official said China shares some of the concerns of the US about the terror issue in Pakistan and Washington is seeking to work with Beijing and other regional players to convince Islamabad about the need to crackdown on terror groups.

The official said that dismantling terrorist safe havens in Pakistan is key to bring stability in Afghanistan and in the region.

"Pakistan already has deep historical ties with China going back to many years and they have close military ties. The economic relationship is also growing due to China Pakistan Economic Corridor," the senior administration official said on condition of anonymity.

"But, China shares some of the concerns of the US about the terrorism problem. The US is seeking to work with other regional players and China would be one of the main ones to deal with this issue. It won't serve China's interests to have terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan," the official said.

The official was quick to point out that China has been playing a more helpful role in terms of encouraging better relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "It is taking a more active role in this regard."

-- PTI
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