China on Monday issued an appeal to India and Pakistan, following a deadly attack in Kashmir which has increased tensions between these South Asian neighbors.
At a press briefing held by Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on May 10, Beijing expressed deep alarm over recent violence in Kashmir. China urges both India and Pakistan to remain calm, avoid further escalation, and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation; Wang said.
These comments come after a deadly assault over the weekend in Indian-administered Kashmir, in which unidentified militants attacked an army convoy and killed multiple soldiers. India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for orchestrating this assault while Islamabad denied involvement and accused India of making baseless accusations.
India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed nations, have long had an ongoing rivalry centered on Kashmir – an contested territory claimed in full by both sides but administered in different ways by each. Recent incidents, such as the 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent military skirmishes have brought them close to open warfare.
China, which shares borders with both India and Pakistan and maintains close ties with Islamabad through the Belt and Road Initiative projects, has often taken an impartial stance, seeking peace and stability across South Asia. According to Wang, “peace and stability in South Asia is in the interest of all nations”, adding: “China stands ready to play an active part in easing tensions and strengthening regional security.
Indian officials have indicated they are reviewing security measures in Kashmir and vowing to respond strongly to “cross-border terrorism”. Pakistan, on the other hand, has demanded an independent inquiry into this attack as they believe India may be using it to justify aggressive posturing.
International observers, including the UN and several Western governments, have also stressed the need for restraint on both sides to prevent further escalation that could destabilize the region.
Analysts warn of a high risk of miscalculation with elections coming up in both nations, combined with rising nationalism sentiment. “Both India and Pakistan should act carefully; escalated rhetoric can only endanger relations,” according to South Asia expert Professor Arvind Sharma.
As tensions remain high, diplomatic efforts are underway behind-the-scenes to defuse them. China’s latest statement highlights an international effort to prevent another military crisis from unfolding in one of the world’s most volatile regions.