China Offers New Support For Pakistan Amid U.S. Row

China has come out with new public support for Islamabad amid tensions between Pakistan and the United States over Islamabad's contribution to the effort to combat extremists.

On a visit to the Pakistani capital on May 30, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said the international community should fully recognize Pakistan's counterterrorism contribution.

He also called on Washington to strengthen its Pakistani relationship.

Beijing enjoys strong military and economic ties with Pakistan.

U.S.-Pakistani relations hit new turmoil recently after a Pakistani doctor was sentenced to 33 years in jail after he helped the U.S. track down Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed a year ago in Pakistan by U.S. special forces.

The United States has condemned the jail sentence as "unjust and unwarranted."

Based on reporting by Xinhua, indiatvnews.com, RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal