China calls for restraint, refuses to side with Pakistan
Saibal Dasgupta | TNN | Feb 27, 2019, 06:41 ISTBEIJING: China on Tuesday advised restraint to India and Pakistan and gave a clear signal that it would not take sides to stand up for its ally Pakistan.
“I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and cooperation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.
“We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and do more to improve their bilateral relations,” he said.
Pakistan has been banking on China’s support since the Pulwama attack and India’s assertion that it would respond with force. China has stood by the Pakistani view of Masood Azhar, head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and even played down a call for action from the UN Security Council.
But on Tuesday China showed no inclination to support Pakistan after the air strikes. China was careful not to upset India ahead of the meeting of Russia, India and China in a Chinese town, which will be attended by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.
Significantly, the ministry indicated it has no objection to India describing it as a “non-military strike” at terror camps. “As for India’s claim on taking action against terrorism, well, fighting terrorism is a global practice,” Lu said.
“It needs necessary international cooperation. India needs to create favourable conditions internationally for the same,” he said.
Lu was also non-committal to a question about Pakistan foreign minister Shah Muhammad Qureshi’s telephonic talk with Wang Yi on the Pulwama terror attack.
“During the phone call, Wang listened carefully to (the) Pakistan foreign minister... and reaffirmed his opinion that the two sides need to advance their cooperation for peace and stability in the region,” Lu said.
“I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and cooperation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.
“We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and do more to improve their bilateral relations,” he said.
Pakistan has been banking on China’s support since the Pulwama attack and India’s assertion that it would respond with force. China has stood by the Pakistani view of Masood Azhar, head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and even played down a call for action from the UN Security Council.
But on Tuesday China showed no inclination to support Pakistan after the air strikes. China was careful not to upset India ahead of the meeting of Russia, India and China in a Chinese town, which will be attended by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.
Significantly, the ministry indicated it has no objection to India describing it as a “non-military strike” at terror camps. “As for India’s claim on taking action against terrorism, well, fighting terrorism is a global practice,” Lu said.
“It needs necessary international cooperation. India needs to create favourable conditions internationally for the same,” he said.
Lu was also non-committal to a question about Pakistan foreign minister Shah Muhammad Qureshi’s telephonic talk with Wang Yi on the Pulwama terror attack.
“During the phone call, Wang listened carefully to (the) Pakistan foreign minister... and reaffirmed his opinion that the two sides need to advance their cooperation for peace and stability in the region,” Lu said.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE