Chinese envoy in Islamabad as Beijing tries to mediate in Pakistan-India crisis
- Deputy foreign minister Kong Xuanyou is discussing tensions between the two South Asian rivals over disputed Kashmir region
- Ministry did not give further details or say if Kong will also visit New Delhi
China’s deputy foreign minister, Kong Xuanyou, is visiting Islamabad in Beijing’s latest effort to mediate as tensions flare between its strategic ally Pakistan and India.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang confirmed on Wednesday that Kong was on the trip at Islamabad’s invitation to discuss the crisis between Pakistan and India over the disputed Kashmir region that borders China.
Kong’s visit came as relations between India and its arch-rival Pakistan plunged to their lowest point in years over the past week.
But Lu, speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, did not reveal further details of Kong’s trip or say if the diplomat would visit New Delhi soon.
Responding to questions about two proposed diplomatic exchanges between the South Asian rivals later this month, Lu said Beijing welcomed any steps that could help to ease tensions.
He also reiterated China’s stance that both countries were important neighbours and their peaceful coexistence was not only in their interests, but also conducive to regional peace and stability.