BEIJING, Dec 26: China said on Wednesday it was extremely concerned over escalating tensions between Pakistan and India and urged the two sides to engage in dialogue to maintain peace and stability in the region.

“China is extremely worried over the exchange of fire that took place on the India and Pakistan border,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

“As a close neighbour and friend of both India and Pakistan, China is very concerned with the development of the situation,” she said.

Zhang urged Islamabad and New Delhi to seek an appropriate solution to the issue through dialogue and make efforts to maintain peace and stability.—AFP