China urges Pakistan, India to calm tensions

SUMMARY

China is renewing calls for Pakistan and India to take steps to avoid a further deterioration of ties following the latest flare-up over Kashmir. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters at a daily briefing on Wednesday that "both Pakistan and India are important countries in the subcontinent of South Asia." He added that China hopes "they will keep in mind the regional peace and stability, exercise restraint, take effective measures to strengthen dialogue, and maintain two sides' fundamental interests and the regional peace and stability." Lu also said, "We hope they will avoid deterioration of the situation." China is longstanding close ally and arms supplier to Pakistan but has also sought better ties with its southern neighbour and Asian rival India.

By APFeb 27, 2019 4:18:15 PM IST (Published)

Indian army soldiers stand near the wreckage of an Indian aircraft after it crashed in Budgam area, outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

Kashmiri villagers and Indian soldiers gather near the wreckage of an Indian aircraft after it crashed in Budgam area, outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

Pakistanis watch news bulletins on television in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. he government onWednesday confirmed itlost one MiG-21 and the pilot is missing in action. "Pakistan claimed that the pilot is in their custody and we are ascertaining the facts," Raveesh Kumar, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson said. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

Kashmiri villagers gather to look at the wreckage of an Indian aircraft after it crashed in Budgam area, outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

A Pakistani soldier stands guard in the area where Indian jets strike in Jaba near Balakot, in Pakistan, Tuesday, February 26, 2019. According to MEA,Pakistan has used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully. (AP Photo/Riaz Khan)

Pakistani reporters and troops visit the site of an Indian airstrike in Jaba, near Balakot, Pakistan, Tuesday, February 26, 2019.Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told the media the "intelligence-led operation" on the Pakistan-based terror group's biggest training camp in Balakot became "absolutely necessary" as it was planning more suicide attacks in India, after the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. (AP Photo/Aqeel Ahmed)

An Indian Air Force officer along with others inspects the wreckage of an Indian aircraft after it crashed in Budgam area, outskirts of Srinagar, Kashmir, Wednesday, February 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)