BEIJING: China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent counter-terrorism measures as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants.
"China commends Pakistan´s recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart.
"We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said.
Since March 5, Pakistani authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected militants and shuttered more than 700 madrassas, mosques, and clinics linked to banned groups.
"We also call on the international community to adopt a fair perspective of the commitments and efforts made by Pakistan over the years to combat terrorism," Wang said as he stood beside Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
China last week blocked measures by the UN Security Council to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar.
On Tuesday, Pakistan expressed gratitude for China´s continued support as it faces international criticism.
"Pakistan appreciates the role China has played once again, standing by Pakistan in these difficult times," Shah said.
"We have been cooperating against this menace of terrorism, and we feel strengthening this in relevant fields is important," Shah said.
"We have made a considerable progress vis-a-vis terrorism, we have paid a huge price, everybody recognises that," Shah said.
Wang welcomed Shah to Beijing by noting China calls Pakistan "our iron friends" because Islamabad "provides us with iron-like support" on Beijing´s core issues of concern.
"Of course, China does the same," Wang said.