UNITED NATIONS: China on Saturday said it has extended the decision to block New Delhi’s appeal to the United Nations, to label Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a terrorist.

Beijing’s move to extend the “technical hold” imposed in April comes a day before it was to lapse, giving Azhar – an accused in the Pathankot Indian Air Force base attack in January – another six-month breather.

Earlier this year, China, in collaboration with Pakistan, had blocked India’s bid to ban Azhar.

China argued on Saturday – as before in April – that its decision was based on facts and procedures. The latest decision brings into focus the close ties between China and Pakistan, who consider each other “all-weather allies”.