Citing a lack of “consensus,” China said on Monday that it is once again not designating Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, as an international terrorist.

The Chinese position, expressed by its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, came ahead of Thursday’s meeting of the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council, where the status of Azhar would be discussed. In September, hopes had been raised of a shift in China’s position but they were belied.

This followed an “excellent” meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi.

“We have made our position clear many times from this podium. The relevant resolutions of the Security Council have clear stipulations as to the mandate to the 1267 committee and also clear stipulations when it comes to listing of relevant organisations and individuals,” said Ms. Hua. “As for listing the application by the relevant country, there are disagreements. China raised the technical hold to allow for more time for all parties to deliberate. To our regret the committee so far has yet to reach a consensus.”