Beijing, May 19: China has expressed its commitment to playing a constructive role in the realisation of a “lasting ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing for talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, marking the first high-level Pakistani official to visit China after India carried out precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.
The visit is expected to discuss various issues with China, including India’s decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and China attaches high importance to its relations with both countries.
The two countries reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. Since tensions started to rise between India and Pakistan, China has followed an objective and just position, urging the two countries to exercise calm and restraint and avoid escalation.
China has emerged as the largest weapons supplier to Pakistan, accounting for 81% of arms procurement of China’s all-weather ally from 2020 to 2024.
Both countries jointly manufacture J-17 aircraft, the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The Chinese official media showed considerable interest in the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, regurgitating some of Pakistan’s claims, including the downing of planes.
However, Chinese official media blanked out reports of India’s major military strikes on several Pakistan air bases, neutralizing Chinese radars and interceptive systems.
Pakistan is also reportedly upset over Pakistan, its close ally, rushing to senior US officials for a ceasefire with India, and US President Donald Trump claiming credit for the cessation of hostilities between the two countries.
Pakistan media also speculated that the Afghan Taliban government’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will be visiting Beijing around the same time for a “tripartite” talks.
Pakistan has been complaining that Afghanistan territory is being used by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army, fighting for the liberation of Balochistan province.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi told the South China Morning Post that terrorist threats to Pakistani people and Chinese citizens inside Pakistan emanate from TTP and BLA, both supported, financed, and sheltered by external actors. (PTI)
