ISLAMABAD: China on Friday cautioned India against unilateral actions saying those could further complicate the escalating tensions on held Kashmir as it pledged to continue supporting Pakistan at multilateral forums.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to a press statement, during his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Beijing said: “China is seriously concerned about the latest escalation of tensions in Kashmir. The Kashmir issue is a dispute left from the colonial history. It should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement. China believes that unilateral actions that will complicate the situation should not be taken.”

Mr Qureshi is visiting China for consultations with the Chinese leadership on the aggravating situation in the region after Delhi revoked India-held Kashmir’s autonomous status and split the region into two Union territories – Jammu and Kashmir; and Ladakh.

Qureshi holds talks with Wang; Beijing urges Kashmir settlement based on UNSC resolutions, bilateral accord

China had reacted sharply to the Indian move and its Foreign Mini­stry spokesperson Hua Chunying, while giving Beijing’s reaction on that occasion, said, “India’s action is unacceptable and would not have any legal effect.” China too has stakes in Kashmir dispute.

China which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council is, moreover, Pakistan’s staunchest regional ally and the government felt it important to consult Chinese leaders before taking the matter to the Security Council as decided by the National Security Committee meeting.

FM Wang recalled that China and Pakistan had supported each other on issues related to their core interests and said that “China will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and uphold justice for Pakistan on the international arena”.

He advised both Islamabad and Delhi to pursue peace in South Asia and their respective national development agendas while resolving historical grievances, getting rid of the zero-sum mindset, avoiding unilateral action and seeking a new path to peaceful coexistence.

Mr Qureshi expressed the hope that China would stand up for justice on Kashmir issue. He assured his Chinese counterpart that Pakistan would continue to “resolutely support” China’s position on issues concerning its core interests and advance Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2019