China has called for a dialogue between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
China is closely monitoring tensions between Pakistan and India following the terrorist attack in Kashmir, supports the timely launch of an impartial investigation, and hopes that both sides will exercise restraint, move closer together, and work to reduce tensions, Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister, said in a telephone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday.
Wang received the call on Sunday morning (local time) upon request.
During the conversation, Dar provided an update on the latest developments in tensions between Pakistan and India following the terrorist attack in Kashmir, saying Pakistan has always been resolute in fighting terrorism and opposes any action that could fuel escalation.
Pakistan remains firm in its intention to handle the situation with a mature approach and will maintain contact with China and the international community, Dar said.
Wang Yi confirmed that China is closely following the facts and reiterated that countering terrorism is a common responsibility of all nations. “China consistently supports Pakistan’s resolute anti-terrorism actions,” the Chinese foreign minister said.
As a staunch friend and global strategic partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and security interests, Wang added.
China welcomes the launch of an impartial investigation and stressed that the conflict neither serves the fundamental interests of India and Pakistan nor regional peace and stability. Beijing hopes that both sides will show restraint, reach out to each other and cooperate to defuse tensions, Wang said.
Gunmen killed at least 26 people and wounded a dozen in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, most of whom were travelers, CNN reported.
India had earlier ordered the immediate departure of some Pakistani diplomatic mission staff and Pakistani nationals visiting the country, according to the New York Times.
Pakistan, for its part, announced it was suspending its participation in bilateral treaties, including one on the “Line of Control” border in disputed areas where a ceasefire had been in place for several years.
