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)