New Delhi: China has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and prioritise peace and stability in the wake of India’s ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, a series of airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, a direct response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, has heightened regional tensions.
In a statement released by its foreign ministry, China expressed its regret over India’s military action, stating its concern regarding the evolving situation. “China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation,” a ministry statement said.
While affirming its opposition to all forms of terrorism, the spokesperson emphasised the interconnectedness of India and Pakistan as neighbours and also highlighted China’s role as a neighbour to both countries.
“India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbours. They’re both China’s neighbours as well. China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” the spokesperson said.
The timing of Operation Sindoor also coincided with heightened diplomatic activity between China and Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, met with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, emphasising China’s concern and commitment to supporting Pakistan.
Further underlining this commitment, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, spoke by phone with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. Wang reiterated China’s stance against terrorism, supported an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam attack, and expressed understanding for Pakistan’s security concerns, highlighting China’s role as an “ironclad friend” and “all-weather strategic cooperative partner” to Pakistan. Wang emphasized that the conflict doesn’t serve the interests of either nation and undermines regional peace and stability.
“As an ironclad friend and an all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests”, Wang said.
