China Closely Following 'Evolving Situation' Between India, Pakistan: Report
China is closely following the evolving situation between India and Pakistan as tensions mount between the two countries following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam killing 26 civilians, reported Global Times.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made the above remark during a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Wang said that China supports prompt initiation of an impartial investigation and hoped that both sides will exercise restraint and move toward each other, and work to de-escalate tensions.
Wang spoke to his Pakistani counterpart on Sunday local time with upon request, the report said.
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'Ironclad Friend'
The report further stated that during the call, Dar briefed on the latest developments regarding tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
He said that Pakistan has "always been resolute in combating terrorism and opposes actions that could escalate tensions."
The Deputy PM said Pakistan remains committed to managing the situation "through a mature approach" and added that they will maintain communication with China and the international community.
For his part, the Chinese foreign minister said that Beijing is closely following the evolving situation.
"As an ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to uphold its sovereignty and security interests," Wang said, as per the report.
He also underscored that combating terrorism constitutes a shared responsibility of all nations and assured China's support to Pakistan's "firm counter-terrorism actions."
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Dar Speaks To British Foreign Secretary
Separately, Dar also spoke to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and briefed him about the current situation in the region. He reiterated Islamabad's "unwavering resolve to defend its national interest while continuing to promote peace and stability in the region," reported PTI.
Lammy stressed the importance of de-escalating the situation through dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues.
Additionally, Dar also dialed foreign ministers of Tukriye, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia and briefed on the situation with India, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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