China has reiterated that it opposes any “unilateral actions” on the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan which has the potential to militarily aggravate the situation. This statement came after Pakistan PM Imran Khan met President Jinping on the sidelines of the 2020 Winter Olympics inauguration in Beijing on Sunday morning.
“The Pakistan side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments on the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, including its concerns, position and pressing issues at the moment. The Chinese side has reiterated that the Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation… They emphasised the importance of pursuit of dialogue and resolution of all outstanding disputes to promote regional cooperation and advance the goals of lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region,” read the joint statement posted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (P-MFA).
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“The Chinese side firmly supports the Pakistani side in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and dignity, and combating terrorism, and is willing to work with the Pakistani side to align development strategies, promote the in-depth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, ensure the smooth implementation of major projects,” the Chinese version of the joint statement read.
The joint statement put out by P-MFA underscored the importance of the security partnership between China and Pakistan to promote peace and stability in the Indian subcontinent. “China recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fighting in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement further read. The joint statement put out by the Chinese did not explicitly mention Kashmir.
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India has consistently opposed any third-party interference in bilateral disputes. Back in July 2021, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson had protested against statements in a joint communique by China and Pakistan on CPEC and Kashmir. “As in the past, India categorically rejects any reference to Jammu and Kashmir. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the union territory of Ladakh has been and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India…We resolutely oppose any attempts by other countries to change the status quo in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan as also to Pakistan bringing up any material change in Indian territories under its illegal occupation,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister and opposition party PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi yesterday criticized Imran Khan’s government for stalling projects under CPEC which has resulted in funds being blocked from the Chinese sides
