China on Tuesday asked India and Pakistan to hold direct bilateral talks to resolve the Masood Azhar issue.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China encouraged India and Pakistan to resolve the listing matter of Masood Azhar though serious consultations.

"We encourage all parties related to the listing matter of Masood Azhar to have direct communication and work out a solution through serious consultations," Hua said. "China is willing to continue with the communication with all relevant parties."

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Bejing recently blocked India's attempt to put Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad' chief Masood Azhar in United Nations designated terrorists list.

The Chinese government, on the other hand, defended its decision saying that it always deals with the listing of 1267 committee based on facts and pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions and relevant rules in a fair manner.

"It is in line with Security Council resolutions and the 1267 Committee's rules of procedure for China to place a technical hold on the listing of Masood Azhar," Hua said.

The Indian government, which accused Azhar of masterminding recent Pathankot airbase attack, has strongly objected to China's support at Azhar.

China's backing of direct India Pakistan engagement came a day after India cancelled the visa of Uyghur leader Dolkun Isa. The Germany-based Uyghur leader blamed China for cancellation of his Indian visa.

"Such an unjustifiable comparison seeks only to delegitimize my decades of impassioned work as a strictly non-violent campaigner for Uyghur rights. China's clear abuse of Interpol's Red Notice issuance is also concerning," the head of Munich based Word Uyghur Congress said in a statement.  

Tagschina, India, Pakistan, Masood Azhar., Dolkun Isa