China takes credit for helping de-escalate simmering India-Pakistan tensions

Beijing said it played a “constructive role” in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan over the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama, ahead of a United Nations vote to condemn the head of the Pakistan-based terrorist group that claimed responsibility.

On the sidelines of the annual National People’s Congress legislative meetings, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that New Delhi and Islamabad should “meet each other halfway” to de-escalate the crisis, portraying China’s role as a balancing act between its nuclear-armed neighbours.

“China has stressed from the beginning the need to exercise calm and restraint, prevent an escalation, find out what has happened, and resolve the matter through dialogue,” Wang said at a press briefing after being asked about Pakistan, which he cheerily referred to as “China’s iron brother”.

“China hopes that Pakistan and India will transform the crisis into an opportunity and meet each other halfway,” he said. “We advise both parties to quickly turn this page and seek fundamental, long-term improvement in their relations.”

The comments by China’s top diplomat came as strained ties between the two South Asian countries eased after they stood at the brink of war following reciprocal air attacks. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quereshi said on Wednesday that private diplomacy from the United States in particular, as well as countries such as China and Russia, eased the rising tensions.

Wang said China welcomed indications that New Delhi and Islamabad would de-escalate the situation and return to talks, adding, “We can create a better future through cooperation, when confrontation gives way to dialogue and disagreements are settled by goodwill.”