India, Pak Should Work Out Differences, Maintain Peace: China

China hopes for an improvement in bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan.

Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi. (Photo: Reuters)

China on Thursday said it is in touch with India and Pakistan through different channels to simmer down tensions, asking them to deal with their differences properly and work jointly to maintain peace and security in the region.

"As for the tension between Pakistan and India, recently the Chinese side has been in communication with both the sides through different channels," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media.

When asked about at what level China is in touch with both the countries, Geng said China maintains frequent engagement at different levels with both India and Pakistan.

China is friendly with India and Pakistan. We hope they improve their bilateral relationship, strengthen cooperation in different fields and work jointly for regional peace and development and stability

Geng Shuang

Geng also reacted guardedly to reports of cancellation of the next SAARC summit, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad, following boycott by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan.

SAARC is an important mechanism to promote regional cooperation. China is an observer in SAARC. We hope to see the continuous development and contribution made by the association to peace and stability.

About Pakistan Special envoys on Kashmir, who met China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, Geng said Liu listened to the introduction made by the Pakistan delegation and told them that China is following the situation closely.

A foreign ministry press release said China "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir but hoped that India and Islamabad resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation to "safeguard" peace and stability in the region.

China believes that Kashmir is an issue left over from history and should be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation.

China’s statement

The delegation was reportedly part of a move by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to send special envoys to brief foreign countries on the situation in Kashmir.

(With inputs from PTI)