Days after Chinese daily Global Times published a column highlighting Beijing's "vested interest" in settlement of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, China's Foreign Ministry clarified that Beijing would continue to adhere to a policy of non-interference in the issue, IANS reported.

The column in the state-run Global Times on Tuesday highlighted that due to massive investments undertaken in the One Belt, One Road initiative in the region, China has a "vested interest in helping resolve regional conflicts, including the dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan."

The column had advised that while China had always "adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," it can no long turn a "deaf ear to the demands of Chinese enterprises in protecting their overseas investments."

The Chinese foreign ministry in a statement emailed to IANS was today quoted as saying: "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is clear and consistent. It is an issue left over from history between India and Pakistan and shall be properly addressed by India and Pakistan through consultation and negotiation."

The ministry's statement added that building of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has no bearing on China's stance on the matter, and urged Pakistan and India to "properly handle differences by increasing communication and dialogue, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability."

However, it added that Beijing is "willing to make constructive efforts for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations."

Opinion

Rule by law

Rule by law

‘The rule of law’ is being weaponised, taking on whatever meaning that fits the political objectives of those invoking it.

Editorial

Isfahan strikes
Updated 20 Apr, 2024

Isfahan strikes

True de-escalation means Israel must start behaving like a normal state, not a rogue nation that threatens the entire region.
President’s speech
20 Apr, 2024

President’s speech

PRESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari seems to have managed to hit all the right notes in his address to the joint sitting of...
Karachi terror
20 Apr, 2024

Karachi terror

IS urban terrorism returning to Karachi? Yesterday’s deplorable suicide bombing attack on a van carrying five...
X post facto
Updated 19 Apr, 2024

X post facto

Our decision-makers should realise the harm they are causing.
Insufficient inquiry
19 Apr, 2024

Insufficient inquiry

UNLESS the state is honest about the mistakes its functionaries have made, we will be doomed to repeat our follies....
Melting glaciers
19 Apr, 2024

Melting glaciers

AFTER several rain-related deaths in KP in recent days, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has sprung into...