BEIJING:  China on Friday rejected the objection raised by New Delhi over the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and said economic cooperation between China and Pakistan was aimed at promoting economic development and improving the well-being of the local population.

While responding to a question about the construction of the dam during a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “China and Pakistan conduct the economic cooperation in order to promote the economic development and improve the well-being of the local population."

Referring to the Indian External Affairs Ministry’s stance, Lijian stated that China’s position on the issue of Kashmir was consistent.

The spokesperson said the project was mutually beneficial and win-win for the two all-weather friends and strategic cooperative partners.

The project, being termed as a positive stimulus for Pakistan’s economy, will not only create 16,500 jobs but will also generate 4,500 MW of electricity.

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) awarded the contract of the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam on Wednesday to a joint venture between Power China and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO)