China blocks Masood Azhar's designation as global terrorist, India expresses disappointment

Reacting to China's action, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement, "We are deeply disappointed that once again, a single country has blocked international consensus on the designation of an acknowledged terrorist and leader of UN-designated terrorist organisation, Masood Azhar."

Kumar has said that the selective approach by China will only hamper the international community's drive to fight terrorism.

"We can only hope that there will be a realisation that accommodating with terrorism for narrow objectives is both short-sighted and counterproductive," Kumar added.

This is the fourth time that Beijing vetoed against the ban of Azhar, stating lack of evidence against him.

The man in question is accused by the Indian intelligence of heading the Pathankot terror attack, which killed at least eight people, including seven security guards and a civilian.

China's decision is also seen by many as a move to keep India under check amidst the latter's going proximity with the United States.

In recent times, both India and the US have come down hard at Pakistan for its lackadaisical attitude towards tackling terror, while China has lauded the latter's efforts in curbing the global menace.

Geng Shuang, the spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his Islamabad visit earlier this year had termed Pakistan as a country which is "firmly opposing the terrorism and has made important sacrifices and contributions to fighting terrorism and maintaining regional security and stability."

However, the United States of America accused Pakistan of betraying its trust and referred to them as 'Benedict Arnold ally'.

Benedict Arnold was a 18th century American general, who changed sides to the British and was hence branded as a traitor.