'China will not pick sides in Pakistan-India disputes'

A state media’s opinion piece says “China will not pick sides in the Pakistan-India dispute as its primary objective is “easing the two countries’ conflicts and improving the anti-terrorist situation.”

According to Chinese media, the return of Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria to Islamabad indicates that a major military confrontation has been averted and it was made possible due to the efforts of China and other countries for de-escalation between Pakistan and India.

“We believe that political consultation must be the only channel to resolve the disputes. This is China’s consistent policy, and nothing will change China’s firm stand in promoting peaceful negotiations between India and Pakistan.”

The op-ed piece resented that some Indians doubt China’s efforts for peace.

Referring to India’s frequent allegations on the matter of terrorism, the article noted that “China, Pakistan and India share common interests in combating terrorism. It is time for India to stop the groundless accusations.”

Reiterating China’s consistent policy and goals about Kashmir, it said the disputed territory is “not destined to be poor and backward forever.”

If Pakistan and India could meet each other halfway to resolve Kashmir issue, “China would help them to build mutual trust, lay the foundation for peaceful negotiations and especially strengthen their cooperation on anti-terrorism, the opinion piece added.