China Vows Support Pakistan, Urges Diplomatic Restraint Following Deadly Pahalgam Attack
New Delhi: China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security on Sunday, while calling for restraint from both India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
During a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed that Beijing is “closely monitoring” the aftermath of the attack and advocates for an “impartial investigation,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
Wang’s remarks come amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after 26 tourists were killed in the April 22 terror strike near Pahalgam, an attack claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
In response, India announced punitive steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and shutting down the only active land crossing at Attari. Islamabad, calling the move an “act of war,” retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and halting all bilateral trade.
“China has consistently supported Pakistan’s determined efforts against terrorism,” Wang said, adding that China, as an “all-weather strategic partner,” fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and backs its defense of sovereignty and national interests.
He further emphasized that conflict is not in the fundamental interest of either nation or the broader region, urging both sides to “exercise restraint, meet halfway, and work toward de-escalation.”
Dar briefed Wang on Pakistan’s stance, asserting that Islamabad remains committed to fighting terrorism and opposes any actions that could worsen the situation, according to the Chinese readout. He also thanked Beijing for its “unwavering support” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the two countries’ strategic partnership.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry accused India of “unilateral and illegal actions” and dismissed what it termed “baseless propaganda” by New Delhi.
Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to uphold regional peace, oppose unilateralism, and resist hegemonic policies, the Chinese foreign ministry noted.
There was no immediate reaction from Indian officials regarding the comments by Wang and Dar.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sunday, raising concerns about the cross-border terror attack. Jaishankar reiterated India’s “zero tolerance for terrorism” in a social media post.
Over the past few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar have engaged with several global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, all of whom condemned the Pahalgam attack and expressed solidarity with India.