China backs Pakistan in protecting its ‘sovereignty and security’ after Pahalgam attack

China is closely following the “developments of the current situation” between India and Pakistan, read a ministry statement by China, offering Pakistan its support in “safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests” after tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The terror attack, which took 28 innocent lives, led to India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and visas for Pakistani nationals, along with declaring Pakistani diplomats as ‘persona non grata’. Pakistan in retaliation, suspended the Simla Agreement, the peace treaty signed by both countries.

Amidst this, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked to Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on phone at the latter's request.

Wang Yi told Dar that “China is closely following the developments of the current situation. Combating terrorism is the common responsibility of all countries in the world, and China always supports Pakistan’s resolute implementation of counter-terrorism actions.”

Labelling China as Pakistan’s “ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner”, Wang Yi said that “China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests”.

However, Yi also advised India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint and work in the same direction to deescalate the situation”.

He said that China supports an impartial investigation as soon as possible, as the conflict does not serve the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan, nor does it contribute to regional peace and stability.