China has expressed concern over the missile strikes on multiple militant bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the bloody terrorist attack in Pahalgaon, as part of India's 'Operation Sindoor'. A Beijing foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement, "India and Pakistan are neighbors of each other, and they are also neighbors of China. We are concerned about the situation. We urge the two countries to exercise restraint and calmness in the interests of peace and stability."
China, without directly mentioning the Pahalgaon terrorist attack, said, "We oppose all forms of terrorism." However, it also called India's military action "regrettable."
China also said that no action should be taken at this time that could further complicate the situation. It wants peaceful dialogue and stability to be maintained between the two countries.
As tensions mount between India and Pakistan at the diplomatic and military levels, China is also sending a message of support to its old ally Pakistan. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to China's top diplomat Wang Yi over the phone. In that call, China said it supports Pakistan's "legitimate security concerns" and respects its efforts to protect its sovereignty.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong also met Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. During the talks, China stressed the need for a prompt and impartial investigation. According to China, the fight against terrorism is the responsibility of the entire world and this conflict does not serve anyone's long-term interests.
Amidst this diplomatic tension, Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Russia, where he will attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. He is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin there.
China's stance makes it clear that while it condemns terrorism, it is also trying to protect the interests of its traditional ally Pakistan. However, only time will tell how acceptable this message will be to India.
