China on Saturday defended its second technical hold to prevent a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar saying there were "different views" on India's application and that Beijing's move will allow more time for the "relevant parties" to have consultations. Though China is the lone member among the 15-member UNSC to oppose the ban on Azhar, Beijing claims that "different views" existed about India's application against Azhar. "There are still different views on India's listing application made this March. China had put the first technical hold six months ago on India's application following Azhar's alleged involvement in the Pathankot terrorist attack. China had extended the second technical hold valid for three months during this week despite several consultations between New Delhi and Beijing at various levels.

Source: dna October 08, 2016 13:18 UTC