BEIJING, April 4: China fully supports Pakistan’s stand to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means, said senior Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Yang Wencheng.

He was talking to newsmen here on Thursday at a reception arranged by Pakistan Ambassador Riaz Khokhar at a local hotel, marking the Pakistan Day.

The reception was largely attended by a cross-section of the people, including high-ranking civil and military officials, ambassadors of various countries, intellectuals and media men, besides the local Pakistan community.

The foreign minister said that China considers Kashmir a major dispute between India and Pakistan, which he said needs to be resolved to ensure peace and stability in South Asia.

He said that both India and Pakistan should take necessary steps to reduce the tension.

To a question, he said China attaches high priority to its relations with Pakistan. The two countries, he said, have always been cooperating with each other at all levels. “There is complete unanimity of views between them on major international issues.”

He said that they were engaged in further strengthening of their economic partnership. He hoped their all-weather friendship will grow.—APP