China has intervened with outspoken and conspicuous backing for Islamabad as tensions between India and Pakistan rise in the wake of the Pahalgam terror assault. As diplomatic and commercial relations between India and Pakistan rapidly deteriorated, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Monday and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to regional peace.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed gratitude to Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s viewpoint during the Monday meeting and made it clear that “China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.”
Additionally, he emphasized the long-standing and solid friendship between China and Pakistan, saying, “The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan, characterizing the relationship as one of ironclad brothers who have always supported each other in challenging times.”
China in the past helped Pakistan by sheltering their poster boy for cross country terrorism. China has consistently thwarted India’s attempts to use the UN Security Council’s 1267 Al-Qaeda sanctions regime to label people and organizations as terrorists. This action, which is frequently called a “veto” or “hold”. China repeatedly blocks UN move to list Masood Azhar a global terrorist. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the issue lacks “consensus” at that point in time.
Jiang also met Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, on May 2. The two talked about the changing geopolitical environment. China continues to support a “prompt and impartial investigation” into the Pahalgam attack, the official statement said.
According to the ambassador, “China understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests,”
“Such actions threaten regional peace and stability,” Zardari added, alluding to India’s decision to stop ships, prohibit Pakistani commodities, and halt cross-border cooperation in the wake of the 24 April incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the majority of whom were Hindu tourists.
The meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to state-run Radio Pakistan, was centered on the two South Asian neighbors’ worsening relations. President Zardari expressed worry about the recent retaliatory actions taken by India and cautioned about their potential broader effects.
Victor Gao issues veiled threats –
China and Pakistan are unwavering allies in every situation. There is no reason to doubt this partnership between China and Pakistan. Anytime a nation threatens Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, China will always be there to support Pakistan. In an interview with an Indian media outlet, he stated, “China is fully committed to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty.”
A well-known Chinese strategist and former diplomat named Victor Gao, meantime, expressed his opinions on Chinese media and cautioned against any military assault on Pakistan.
RUS and US offer supports India’s right to respond to terrorism –
USA and Russia support India in combating terrorism
On the other hand, significant international players have vocally supported India. In an interview with Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident “barbaric” and promised to fully back India’s counterterrorism initiatives. The spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that Putin “emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
The United States had previously thrown its support for New Delhi. According to State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce:
“The United States firmly opposes any acts of terrorism and supports India. We ask that those responsible for this horrible act be held accountable and offer prayers for the lives of the deceased and the healing of the wounded.”
The upcoming weeks are critical for the future of South Asia, as diplomatic efforts are being strained and military postures are becoming more rigid. China’s role as a regional player is being closely examined as India advances its counterterrorism policy and Pakistan looks for partners.
China is willing to move beyond diplomacy to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, as seen by its constant messaging from its ambassador to its top analysts. Beijing is currently balancing the need for moderation with the need for direct warnings.
It remains to be seen if this delicate balancing act will ease tensions or encourage more conflict.
This article is written with inputs from PTI.
