The Pakistani media had earlier cited official sources to say that the much-awaited visit would take place on April 9. But some of them are now saying that the date has been shifted to April 17.
"President Xi Jinping looks forward to visiting Pakistan as soon as possible," Hua Chunying, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday in reply to a question about changing dates.
China is not sure this is the right time because the Muslim world is anxiously watching the grave situation in Yemen, and Pakistan is trying to play a major role in it, sources said. Beijing may not be comfortable is Pakistan involves itself in a military role in Yemen, sources said.
This could be the reason why China is hedging its bets instead of committing itself to a presidential visit to Pakistan at this juncture.
"We are in close communication with Pakistan on this visit. Relevant information will be released in due course," Hua said at the ministry's regular press briefing. "China and Pakistan are friendly neighbors, and all weather friends and partners," she added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Beijing in mid May. Xi would try to make the visit before Modi arrives to assuage feelings in Islamabad, which were hurt when the Chinese president canceled his Pakistan visit, which was to take place along with his India trip in September last year.
Pakistan has been busy making elaborate preparations for the Xi visit because it is seeking Chinese assistance on wide range of projects. Islamabad has set up a cabinet committee headed by its finance minister Ishaq Dar for making arrangements for Xi Jinping's visit.
http://ift.tt/1kZis8I Jinping,Xi in Pakistan
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