China declines to comment on FATF placing Pakistan on ‘grey list’; praises its counter-terror effort

“We will not make comment on the decision of the task force. But we understand Pakistan has made enormous efforts for the counter-terrorism and made great sacrifices,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a media briefing here when asked about the FATF’s decision.

“The international community should view this in an objective and just way. The international community should give more support and recognition to Pakistan,” he said.

Lu said Pakistan’s effort in counter-terrorism has not only won recognition from China, but also from many countries around the world.

“We always believe Pakistan government and people have made enormous efforts and sacrifice on counter-terrorism, and the international community should fully recognise this,” he said, reiterating China’s oft repeated stand praising Pakistan’s record on counter-terrorism.

He said Pakistan in his recent years has taken positive measures to enhance financial regulation, combat terrorism financing and made very important progress.

“We hope all relevant parties can view the efforts made by Pakistan in objective way instead of accusing and pressuring Pakistan. China and Pakistan have an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and China is willing to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism with Pakistan,” he said.

The placement of Pakistan on the grey list of the FATF could hurt Pakistan’s economy as well as its international standing.

It will be directly scrutinised by the FATF until it is satisfied by the measures taken to curb terror financing and money laundering.