As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the Pahalgam terror attack, China has stepped in with vocal and visible support for Islamabad. On Monday, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met with Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad and underscored Beijing’s commitment to regional peace, even as diplomatic and trade ties between India and Pakistan deteriorated rapidly.
During the Monday meeting, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s perspective and stated clearly, “China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.”
He also reiterated the historic strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, “The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan, describing the relationship as one of ironclad brothers who have always supported each other in challenging times.”
On 2 May, Jiang also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two discussed the evolving geopolitical landscape. China, according to the official statement, continues to back a “prompt and impartial investigation” into the Pahalgam attack.
“China understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests,” the envoy said.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr focused on the deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours. President Zardari voiced concern over India’s recent retaliatory measures and warned of their wider impact.
“Such actions threaten regional peace and stability,” Zardari said, referring to India’s move to ban Pakistani goods, block ships, and suspend cross-border cooperation following the 22 April attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
India responds strongly to Pahalgam attack
India’s response to the attack has been swift and severe. The government not only downgraded diplomatic ties and closed the Attari land crossing, but also moved to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to take “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and those who shelter them. The policy shift has led to rising fears of further destabilisation in the region.
Victor Gao issues warning to regional powers
Meanwhile, Victor Gao, a prominent Chinese strategist and former diplomat, spoke out on Chinese media and warned against any military aggression towards Pakistan.
“China & Pakistan are all-weather ironclad allies. No one should second guess this alliance between China and Pakistan. China will always come to Pakistan's help and assistance whenever Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be threatened by any country. China's full commitment is to defend Pakistan sovereignty,” he said during an interview with News18.
Gao made it clear that the commitment is not symbolic but rooted in deep political trust and mutual interest. “China had always asked for full investigations,” he added, backing Islamabad’s call for a “transparent and impartial investigation.”
Russia, US back India on terror response
In contrast, India has received vocal support from major global players. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with PM Modi, condemned the attack as “barbaric” and pledged full support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Putin “emphasised that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
Earlier, the United States also threw its weight behind New Delhi. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said:
“The United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
Beijing urges restraint despite firm rhetoric
Despite tough words from strategists like Gao, the official Chinese line has maintained a tone of caution. On 28 April, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called for calm and supported a neutral investigation. He said both countries are important to the region and their peaceful coexistence is vital.
“China welcomes all measures to cool down the current situation between the two countries,” Guo said.
A delicate diplomatic dance in South Asia
With military postures hardening and diplomacy under strain, the coming weeks are crucial for South Asia’s future. As Pakistan seeks allies and India pushes forward with its counterterror strategy, China’s role as a regional player is under sharp focus.
China’s consistent messaging, from its ambassador to its top analysts, reveals a willingness to go beyond diplomacy to shield Pakistan’s sovereignty. For now, Beijing is walking a tightrope—urging restraint on one hand while issuing blunt warnings on the other.
Whether this balancing act will defuse tensions or fuel further confrontation remains to be seen.
(With inputs from PTI)
During the Monday meeting, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s perspective and stated clearly, “China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.”
He also reiterated the historic strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, “The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan, describing the relationship as one of ironclad brothers who have always supported each other in challenging times.”
On 2 May, Jiang also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two discussed the evolving geopolitical landscape. China, according to the official statement, continues to back a “prompt and impartial investigation” into the Pahalgam attack.
“China understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests,” the envoy said.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr focused on the deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours. President Zardari voiced concern over India’s recent retaliatory measures and warned of their wider impact.
“Such actions threaten regional peace and stability,” Zardari said, referring to India’s move to ban Pakistani goods, block ships, and suspend cross-border cooperation following the 22 April attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, most of them tourists.
India responds strongly to Pahalgam attack
India’s response to the attack has been swift and severe. The government not only downgraded diplomatic ties and closed the Attari land crossing, but also moved to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to take “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and those who shelter them. The policy shift has led to rising fears of further destabilisation in the region.
Victor Gao issues warning to regional powers
Meanwhile, Victor Gao, a prominent Chinese strategist and former diplomat, spoke out on Chinese media and warned against any military aggression towards Pakistan.
“China & Pakistan are all-weather ironclad allies. No one should second guess this alliance between China and Pakistan. China will always come to Pakistan's help and assistance whenever Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be threatened by any country. China's full commitment is to defend Pakistan sovereignty,” he said during an interview with News18.
Gao made it clear that the commitment is not symbolic but rooted in deep political trust and mutual interest. “China had always asked for full investigations,” he added, backing Islamabad’s call for a “transparent and impartial investigation.”
Russia, US back India on terror response
In contrast, India has received vocal support from major global players. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with PM Modi, condemned the attack as “barbaric” and pledged full support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Putin “emphasised that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
Earlier, the United States also threw its weight behind New Delhi. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said:
“The United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
Beijing urges restraint despite firm rhetoric
Despite tough words from strategists like Gao, the official Chinese line has maintained a tone of caution. On 28 April, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called for calm and supported a neutral investigation. He said both countries are important to the region and their peaceful coexistence is vital.
“China welcomes all measures to cool down the current situation between the two countries,” Guo said.
A delicate diplomatic dance in South Asia
With military postures hardening and diplomacy under strain, the coming weeks are crucial for South Asia’s future. As Pakistan seeks allies and India pushes forward with its counterterror strategy, China’s role as a regional player is under sharp focus.
China’s consistent messaging, from its ambassador to its top analysts, reveals a willingness to go beyond diplomacy to shield Pakistan’s sovereignty. For now, Beijing is walking a tightrope—urging restraint on one hand while issuing blunt warnings on the other.
Whether this balancing act will defuse tensions or fuel further confrontation remains to be seen.
(With inputs from PTI)
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