BEIJING, May 16: China on Thursday asked India to resolve its disputes with Pakistan through peaceful means.
When attention was drawn towards the emerging threats of war from the Indian leaders, a spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Kong Quan said “the on-going tension between the two neighbouring countries could only be resolved through peaceful means, by holding dialogue and consultation.
He told APP correspondent that the Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held very useful talks with President Pervez Musharraf and his Pakistani counterpart Abdul Sattar during his recent visit to Islamabad. This visit, he added helped to further strengthen their bilateral relations.
The two sides, he added held in-depth discussion for promoting their cooperation and understanding for resolving regional and international issues.
Meanwhile, Chinese media has reported that China supports peaceful solution to disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and is willing to continue its efforts alongside with other parties concerned to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Referring to Mr Tang’s talks with Pakistani leaders, the Peoples Daily and China Radio International in their reports said the Chinese foreign minister praised the Pakistani government for its efforts in de-escalation of tension in the region.
The reports further said Tang Jiaxuan and his Pakistani counterpart Abdul Sattar held talks on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest, and reached broad-ranging consensus on Tuesday in Islamabad.
During the talks, Tang Jiaxuan spoke highly of the well-known relations of sincere friendship, mutual trust and mutual benefits between China and Pakistan, which have been based on a profound foundation.
Mr Tang believes that the comprehensive cooperation between China and Pakistan will further develop in the new century.
The two foreign ministers agreed to set up a “China-Pakistan Friendship Forum” and to enhance mutual consultation, coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs including in the fight against terrorism, the reports added.—APP