China, Pakistan to step up anti-terror cooperation

"Terrorism has posed a grave threat to regional and world peace and stability. China and Pakistan have been deeply harmed by it," President Hu Jintao told visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the People's Daily said.

"The Chinese government is in firm opposition to terrorism in all forms and appreciates Pakistan's preventive measures in safeguarding the security of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan," added Hu.

The agreement to enhance cooperation follows the killing of a Chinese engineer in Pakistan in October. He had been taken hostage by an al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

China is Pakistan's strongest ally and Islamabad relies heavily on Beijing for its defence needs.

Pakistan also borders China's Xinjiang region which is home to a largely Muslim Uighur community which is fighting for an independent state.

China says they are terrorists, and, according to rights groups, routinely pressures its neighbours for the return of those who have fled to places such as Pakistan.