China Calls for Calm and Restraint Amid Rising Tensions Between Pakistan and India
China has expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating hostilities between Pakistan and India, urging both nations to prioritize peace and avoid further escalation in the region. In an official statement on Wednesday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to India’s recent aggression against Pakistan as “regrettable” and reiterated its longstanding position advocating for regional stability.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of restraint, stating, “We are seriously concerned about the evolving situation in South Asia. We urge both Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking steps that may aggravate the conflict.” The spokesperson underscored the need for dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that “peace must be given a chance first.”
China’s response comes amidst heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly after Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian Air Force jets, including Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft, in what it described as a “timely and proportionate response” to Indian airspace violations.
Pakistan Welcomes China’s Call for Restraint
Pakistan’s Foreign Office welcomed China’s statement, calling it a “responsible and timely stance by a key regional partner.” Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating in investigations related to the Pulwama incident, which India cited as the reason for its previous air strikes against Pakistan.
Read More: Pakistani Cities Reported Targeted in Alleged Indian Airstrikes Overnight
Türkiye Shows Solidarity with Pakistan
Türkiye has condemned India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, offering full solidarity and urging both nations to show restraint amid the rising tensions. On Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reached out to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to express serious concerns over the deteriorating regional security situation following Indian missile and artillery strikes on Pakistani territory.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Fidan conveyed his government’s strong support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We are deeply concerned about the escalation and the tragic loss of innocent lives in Pakistan,” Fidan said. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact and emphasized the importance of regional stability, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation.
Separately, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan also condemned the Indian strikes and offered condolences over the civilian casualties. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Pakistan and called for international attention to the violations of Pakistan’s airspace and the resulting loss of life.
International Calls for Restraint
As tensions rise between Pakistan and India, several global powers and regional stakeholders have urged both countries to show restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
US Closely Monitoring the Situation
In the United States, the State Department has been closely monitoring the situation between Pakistan and India. During a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the situation as “fluid and rapidly changing” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to preventing further escalation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these concerns in a separate statement, emphasizing that the United States is in continuous communication with leadership in both countries. “We are constantly monitoring the situation and remain in contact with Pakistani and Indian officials in pursuit of a peaceful solution,” Rubio said.
UAE Calls for Calm and Diplomacy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also urged both India and Pakistan to demonstrate restraint and work towards resolving the dispute through diplomatic means. The UAE expressed its concerns over the rising tensions and called for all parties to prioritize peace and avoid actions that could escalate the conflict further.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with widespread calls for both nations to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue to prevent further loss of life and ensure regional stability.
