China and Pakistan could strengthen cooperation in the fight
against terrorism, separatism and extremism, under a bill tabled
for deliberation yesterday in China's legislature.
The "Sino-Pakistan Cooperative Agreement on Combating the 'Three
Evil Forces'" would be China's second such international pact after
the agreement with Kirghizia, Kazakhstan, Tadzhikistan and
Uzbekistan to safeguard regional peace and stability.
Briefing lawmakers of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said the bill to
ratify the agreement was necessary as the three evil forces had
threatened the lives of Pakistanis and Chinese working and living
in Pakistan.
The agreement would help safeguard China's national interests
and promote cooperation between the two countries, he said.
The 18-article agreement defines terrorism, separatism and
extremism, and outlines the scope of cooperation between the
countries.
The bill will be submitted for a final vote after deliberation
on August 27.
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2006)
