China calls for ‘peaceful’ resolution of Kashmir dispute, opposes ‘unilateral actions’

ISLAMABAD: China on Saturday stressed the need for ‘proper and peaceful’ resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, opposing any ‘unilateral actions’ that further complicate the already volatile situation, ARY News reported.

The statement was issued during the 4th round of the Foreign Minister-level Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, which was held from 5 to 6 May, 2023.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang visited undertook his first official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The counterparts co-chaired the 4th round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue.

During the dialogue, the entire range of bilateral relations and cooperation, including in political, strategic, economic, defense security, education and cultural domains was reviewed. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

FM Bilawal congratulated the Chinese leadership on the successful holding of the ‘Two Sessions’. He wished China’s people and the new leadership greater success in building a strong, prosperous and modern socialist country.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, and the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes. The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese delegation on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chinese side reiterated that the Kashmir dispute was left over from history between India and Pakistan and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Both sides opposed any unilateral actions that further complicate the already volatile situation.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s special place in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, the Chinese side reiterated its firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as its unity, stability, and economic prosperity.

The Pakistani side reiterated its commitment to the “One China” policy as well as its firm support to China on all core issues of its national interest, including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and South China Sea.

Welcoming the completion of a decade of CPEC in 2023, the two sides hailed CPEC as a shining example of Belt and Road cooperation which has accelerated socio-economic development, job creation and improvement of people’s livelihoods in Pakistan.

Reaffirming their commitment to high-quality development of CPEC, both sides noted with satisfaction the steady progress of CPEC projects. The two sides reiterated the key significance of ML-1 project under the CPEC framework and agreed to advance its earliest implementation.

They also agreed to actively advance the Karachi Circular Railway alongside key areas of cooperation including, inter alia, agriculture, science and technology, IT, and renewable energy.

The two sides reviewed the progress of various projects at Gwadar, including the Friendship Hospital and New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA). Both sides reiterated their resolve to develop Gwadar as a high-quality port and a hub for regional trade and connectivity.

Stressing that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for socio-economic development, connectivity and prosperity in the region, both sides called on all stakeholders to work together for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Afghanistan, which would firmly combat terrorism and live in harmony with its neighbours.

The two sides underscored the need for the international community to provide continued assistance and support to Afghanistan including through unfreezing of Afghanistan’s overseas financial assets.

The two sides agreed to continue their humanitarian and economic assistance for the Afghan people and enhance development cooperation in Afghanistan, including through extension of CPEC to Afghanistan.