China Contacts India and Pakistan in Succession: "Recurrence of Conflict Must Be Prevented"

China's top diplomat has reached out to both India and Pakistan, which recently engaged in armed conflict, and has called for a ceasefire.

On May 11, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released details of phone conversations between Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (who also serves as Foreign Minister), and officials from both India and Pakistan.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the previous day, Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (and concurrently Foreign Minister), had a phone conversation with Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar provided an update on the latest developments in the conflict between Pakistan and India. He stated, "Pakistan is willing to realize a ceasefire with India, but will not lower its guard," and explained, "Pakistan will respond to any actions that infringe upon its sovereignty and territory." The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Dar also expressed Pakistan's willingness to maintain close communication with China and the international community.

Wang emphasized, "As a common neighbor of both Pakistan and India, China is concerned about the escalation of the conflict." He added, "China supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and the dignity of its people, and believes that Pakistan will respond to the current situation calmly and make decisions that serve its fundamental and long-term interests."

He further stated, "China expects and supports an early ceasefire between Pakistan and India. Once a ceasefire is achieved, both sides must adhere to it and prevent a recurrence of the conflict." He also said, "China is willing to continue playing an active role in this regard."

Wang also spoke with Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, the previous day. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doval mentioned that a shooting terrorist attack near Pahalgam, a resort area in Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22 resulted in significant casualties. Doval stated, "India needs to take counter-terrorism measures," and emphasized, "War is not India's choice, and it serves the interests of no country."

Doval added, "Both India and Pakistan will strive for a ceasefire," and expressed hope that "peace and stability in the region will be restored as soon as possible."

Wang stated, "China condemns the Pahalgam terrorist attack and opposes all forms of terrorism," and emphasized, "China highly appreciates your (Doval's) stance that 'war is not India's choice.'"

He continued, "China sincerely hopes that India and Pakistan will maintain calm and restraint, appropriately resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, and avoid further escalation of the situation."

The conflict between India and Pakistan, which was triggered by the Pahalgam shooting terrorist attack, escalated into armed clashes between the two countries, raising concerns about the possibility of a full-scale war. However, with mediation from the United States and others, a ceasefire agreement was announced on May 10, three days after the outbreak of hostilities.