China urges India, Pakistan to exercise restraint after Kashmir attack

BEIJING: China hopes India and Pakistan will exercise restraint as a neighbour of both countries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday when asked about the recent attack in Kashmir.

China welcomes all measures that will help cool down the situation, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and China have reiterated their firm resolve to uphold regional peace and stability, promote mutual respect and understanding, and jointly oppose unilateralism and hegemonic policies.

The understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday

During the conversation Dar briefed Chinese Wang Yi on the current regional situation. He 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, the Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship and the shared vision of an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

He emphasized Pakistan’s determination to further deepen bilateral cooperation across all spheres.

Both sides 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.

US in touch with Pakistan, India

On Monday, India claimed it had ‘responded’ to ‘unprovoked’ firing from Pakistan along the de facto border for the fourth consecutive night, as it deepens its search for militants in the region following last week’s deadly attack on tourists in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

After the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, India has identified two of the three suspected militants allegedly as Pakistani, although Islamabad has denied any role and called for a neutral probe.

India’s defence forces have also conducted several military exercises across the country since the attack. Some of these are routine preparedness drills, a defence official said.

Security forces have detained around 500 people for questioning after they searched nearly 1,000 houses and forests hunting for militants in Indian Occupied Kashmir, a local police official told Reuters on Monday.

At least nine houses have been demolished so far, the official added.