KEY POINTS
- Pakistan and China jointly oppose “unilateralism and hegemonic policies”
- Both sides agree on maintaining peace and stability in region
- Dar expresses appreciation for China’s “consistent and unwavering support”
ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday reaffirmed China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, stressing that Beijing fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and backs its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.
The support came during a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese state media CGTN reported.
Wang expressed China’s close attention to the evolving situation.
Wang said that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility for all nations, and China has consistently supported Pakistan’s firm stance on counterterrorism efforts.
Noting the iron-clad friendship and all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, Wang said China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.
He said that conflicts between Pakistan and India do not serve the fundamental interests of each side and also pose a threat to regional peace and stability.
Wang urged both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, and work together to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region.
According to a Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar categorically rejected India’s “unilateral and illegal actions, as well as its baseless propaganda against Pakistan”.
“Expressing deep appreciation for China’s consistent and unwavering support, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship and the shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the statement read.
Dar emphasised Pakistan’s determination to further deepen bilateral cooperation across all spheres.
They also agreed to maintain close communication and coordination at all levels to advance their shared objectives of peace, security and sustainable development in the region and beyond.
Escalating tensions
These diplomatic engagements come amid a series of consultations launched by Islamabad to reinforce alliances and ensure international backing amid escalating geopolitical tensions in South Asia.
The regional situation deteriorated sharply after gunmen opened fire on visitors in the Pahalgam area of Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 17 others.
On Wednesday, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and cancelled visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
In response, Pakistan on Thursday expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian citizens—except for Sikh pilgrims—and closed its side of the main land border crossing.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
On Saturday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was open to any “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
