China rejects US statement on CPEC

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing on Saturday rejected US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Alice Wells’ statement regarding China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Addressing the 5th CPEC Media Forum, the Chinese ambassador said Pak-China relations are based on win-win cooperation and are mutually beneficial. He expressed astonishment over Alice Wells’ statement of higher tariff in power plants, established under CPEC. He questioned that when in 2013, the Chinese companies were establishing power plants in Pakistan, where was the US? Why it did not invest in Pakistan’s power sector despite knowing that Pakistan was in dire need of electricity. Yao Jing said China has always come forward to assist Pakistan in need without any political or government differences. “If Pakistan is in need, China would never ask it to repay its loans in time, while on the other hand the International Monetary Fund, that is mainly governed by the West, is strict in its repayment system,” he added. On Thursday, criticising the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Alice Wells said it is not an aid to Pakistan. She alleged that the multi-billion dollar project is certain to take a toll on Pakistan’s economy at the time of the repayment of the debt and dividend in the coming years.

US-Pakistan trade ties on track to set new record

The US says its trade ties with Pakistan are set to witness a new record this year. This was stated by White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere in a statement following telephonic conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday evening. He said the two leaders in their conversation reaffirmed commitment for a stronger relationship. The White House Deputy Press Secretary said they also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-Pakistan trade relationship, investment and people-to-people ties between the two countries.