China Closely Following India – Pakistan Escalating Tension, Supports “Neutral Investigation”
NEW DELHI, Apr 27: China on Sunday said it was “closely following” the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack while echoing Pakistan’s call for an “impartial investigation” to be initiated promptly.
The statement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi following a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
Wang told Mr Dar that China support an impartial investigation into the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. China also hoped both sides would exercise restraint, move toward each other, and work to de-escalate tensions, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during the phone call.
The Pakistani leader briefed Wang on the latest developments regarding tensions between the two neighbours, following the terror attack. India has already taken a series of actions against Pakistan, such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and banning all Pakistani visas.
Combating terrorism constitutes a shared responsibility of all nations, and China consistently supports Pakistan’s firm counter-terrorism actions, said Wang, media reports said. In a statement posted on X, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the call and stated that Dar briefed Yi on the regional situation. “He categorically rejected India’s unilateral and illegal actions, as well as its baseless propaganda against Pakistan,” the post added.
The Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also added that Dar expressed appreciation for China’s continued support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to their “iron-clad” friendship and the shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The statement added that both sides reiterated their commitment to promoting regional peace and stability, mutual respect, and opposition to unilateralism and hegemonic policies.
“Both sides reiterated their firm resolve to uphold regional peace and stability, promote mutual respect and understanding, and jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemonic policies. They agreed to maintain close communication and coordination at all levels to advance their shared objectives of peace, security, and sustainable development in the region and beyond,” it added.
(Manas Dasgupta)
