China goes soft on Pakistan, says it has always opposed terrorism, will avoid escalation

Beijing, Feb 27: China on Wednesday spoke in hope of Pakistan fighting terrorism despite them in denial of terror organisations breeding on their soil.

"Russia, China and India reaffirmed strong opposition to terrorism. At the same time, we (China) believe Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism. China appreciates statements from Indian and Pakistan friends saying they'll exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the situation," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the 16th Foreign Ministers' meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) in Wuzhen, China.

Yi also said that China is playing a constructive role in aiding peace in the region. "As a mutual friend to both India and Pakistan, we hope that they can conduct a dialogue to establish facts through investigation to keep things under control and maintain peace and stability in the region. In this process, China is playing a constructive role, and not the opposite."

China's statements have come hours after External Affairs Minister (EAM) raised the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack in the 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) and said that Pakistan remains a terror haven.

She also said that the airstrike in Pakistan, in light of the terror attack, was not a military action.

"It wasn't a military operation, no military installation were targetted. The objective was to act against terrorist infrastructure of JeM to preempt another terror attack in India. India doesn't wish to see further escalation of situation. It'll continue to act with responsibility and restraint," she said.