China urged India and Pakistan to put peace and stability first, maintain composure and restraint, and refrain from adopting any steps that might make matters worse.
BEIJING: In reaction to a significant escalation between its nuclear-armed neighbors, China on Wednesday voiced sorrow and worry over Indian attacks on Pakistan and urged all sides to exercise moderation.
Following New Delhi’s missile attacks on its bitter foe, India and Pakistan engaged in a violent artillery battle along their disputed border on Wednesday.
India claimed that three civilians were killed by Pakistani artillery fire near the de facto boundary in disputed Kashmir, while Pakistan claimed that at least eight persons had been killed by Indian attacks.
China, a strong friend of Pakistan and a country that has land borders with both, said it was “concerned about the current developments” and voiced “regret over India’s military action this morning.”
A spokesman for the foreign ministry stated in a statement that “India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be separated, and they are also China’s neighbors.”
“China opposes all forms of terrorism,” they declared.
“We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation,” the statement continued.
