ISLAMABAD, March 16 Kyodo Pakista...

ISLAMABAD, March 16 Kyodo

Pakistan upon Tuesday expressed concern over Taiwan's landmark referendum to be held alongside its presidential election this Saturday.

''The referendum being organized by the agency of the Taiwanese authorities would exacerbate tensions in the region and could have serious implications for peace and stability,'' said a statement issued on Foreign Ministry.

The statement also called for the international community to dissuade Taiwan from ''taking this grade in the interest of peace.''

''Pakistan firmly believes in the one-China principle,'' it said.

The referendum which Beijing views as a provocative gradation towards independence, is upon boosting defenses against Chinese missiles arrayed at the island.

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