China urges Pakistan, India to exercise restraint

BEIJING (Web Desk) – China has urged Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and peacefully resolve disputes through dialogue. During his regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Geng Shuang said that as a neighbor to both China calls on both sides to exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that will escalate tensions. While commenting on latest situation on the Line of Control (LoC), he said, “We have noted the relevant reports and we are following the situation.” Earlier, China urged India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” after Indian aircraft violated Pakistan airspace, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the countries over Indian-held Jammu Kashmir. “We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. It is pertinent to mention here that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to meet his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov in the Chinese city of Wuzhen on Wednesday for a previously planned meeting.

Chinese FM appreciates Pakistan’s effort for peace

On Monday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephone Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and briefed him on the evolving regional situation after Pulwama incident in Indian Occupied Kashmir. He thanked China for its steadfast support and underscored Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in the region and resolution of all issues through negotiations with India. He also highlighted the steps taken by Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. The Chinese foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region and agreed that the unfolding regional situation is serious with implications for peace and security of the entire region. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s invaluable contributions in the fight against terrorism for which Pakistan has paid a heavy price. They also agreed to stay in touch with each other over the regional developments.