China will play key role in reducing India-Pakistan tension, says its media

Beijing, March 4: In the eternal tussle between nuclear-armed powers India and Pakistan, the role of China is always seen with suspicion, especially on the Indian side.

China has been an all-weather friend of Pakistan, helping it with money, diplomatic support and strategic infrastructure even while stressing on cooperation with India.

Recently, as tension soared between New Delhi and Islamabad in the wake of the terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir killing over 40 CRPF personnel, China continued to play its double game of emphasising peace but not agreeing to condemn Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit which claimed responsibility for the February 14 attacks.

In the last week of February, the two neighbours also engaged in air games with both side downing each other’s aircraft.

The Chinese media has now said that Beijing looks to play an important role in cooling the tampers on both sides of the border. In a piece in the country’s Global Times (http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1140831.shtml), it was said: “As nuclear powers, India and Pakistan should exercise restraints. With both the estranged neighbors members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

China does not want to see further escalation between them. Beijing hopes the two neighbors can resolve their disputes in a peaceful way. It is unwilling to see them resort to arms.”

The report also sited Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang as saying on February 27 that Beijing expected that the two countries in South Asia will maintain good neighbourliness and peace and stability.

Kang said China hoped that both sides could exercise restraint and take steps that help in promoting dialogue and contribute to lasting peace and stability in South Asia.