Resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue, says, Chinese official.
China, on Monday, distanced itself from Pakistan media reports claiming that a top Chinese diplomat had assured Pakistan support in case of foreign aggression, reported The Hindustan Times.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang said that he was not aware of such a statement.
“China’s position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear. As neighbor and friend to both Pakistan and India we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and manage and control the situation besides jointly work for the peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region,” Geng said.
Last week, Pakistan media had reported that the consul general of China in Lahore, Yu Boren, had assured its support to Pakistan in Kashmir dispute and extended help in case of any foreign aggression.
Boren was quoted by the office of the chief minister of Punjab province of Pakistan. It was first published by Dawn daily in Pakistan and followed by other media.
“We are and will be siding with Pakistan on Kashmir issue… There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in…[India-] held Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute should be solved in accordance with aspirations of the Kashmiris,” Boren was quoted as saying by Dawn.
The statement was seen as the strong support of China to Pakistan in the wake of disrupted diplomatic ties of the latter with India following the Uri army base attack that killed 18 Indian soldiers. India alleges that the terrorists came from Pakistan which is the clear indication of the country supporting terrorism.
Meanwhile, Shuang said that India and Pakistan should resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue.
“With regard to the Kashmir issue, we believe it is an issue left over from history. We hope the relevant parties will peacefully and properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation,” he said.
Regarding allegations of Chinese incursion across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Shuang said; “China’s position on the boundary question between India and China is consistent and clear. The boundary between the two sides is yet to be demarcated. We are engaged in dialogue and consultation to properly address differences in this regard.”
He added: “The border troops of China always abide by agreements of the two sides and strictly follow the bilateral agreements concerning the LAC. We hope Indian side will work together with us to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas and strive to resolve the boundary issue at an early date.”