China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for a lasting ceasefire between India and Pakistan, urging the two nuclear-armed neighbours to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. The appeal came during a phone conversation with India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency on Sunday.
Wang’s call to Doval followed recent cross-border tensions triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and led to a series of intense drone and missile exchanges between the two sides. The violence escalated after India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.
“War is not the choice of the Indian side and is not in the interest of either side,” Doval reportedly told Wang, emphasising that India needed to take counter-terrorism actions following the deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Wang condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, describing it as a “terrorist attack” with cross-border linkages that sparked the worst India-Pakistan fighting in years. He reiterated China’s firm opposition to all forms of terrorism.
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Wang also spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to Xinhua, expressing China’s concern over the escalating hostilities between the two neighbours. He said Beijing expected both sides to exercise calm and restraint, properly manage their differences, and avoid further escalation.
"China supports and expects India and Pakistan to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through consultation, which is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and meets the common aspiration of the international community," Wang said.
The talks between Wang and Doval came after India and Pakistan reached an understanding on 10 May to cease all military actions on land, air, and sea, effective immediately. The truce followed four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
In his talks with Dar, Wang said China remains committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, noting that Pakistan “stands on the frontline of the international fight against terrorism.” He added that China hopes Islamabad will make decisions in line with its long-term national interests.
China’s foreign ministry has reiterated its call for both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability. “We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions,” the ministry said in a statement.
Wang’s comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with both India and Pakistan bracing for potential escalation despite the recent ceasefire agreement.
China, as a neighbour to both countries, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing hostilities and pledged to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability.
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