News Analysis |
China on Friday expressed hope that the Kashmir dispute will be resolved through a dialogue between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The remark came at a time when both countries embroiled in a war of words in the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Kashmir is a leftover issue of history. China hopes that India and Pakistan can increase dialogue and communication, and properly handle the relevant issue,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said while reaffirming his support for Kashmir.
Beijing wants stability on the borders between India and Pakistan but by the look of things, it seems unlikely. Indian Army Chief has already warned his army to be ready for a 2-front war with Pakistan and China
The brinkmanship on the valley has increased manifold since last year; both India and Pakistan have constantly exchanged fire on the LoC with the Working Boundary also becoming hot in the last two days. Prime Minister Abbasi called out India as a brutal occupying force that is committing war crimes and suppressing the right of the Kashmiris to attain freedom. India retorted and reaffirmed that Pakistan resorts to terrorism in the valley which is a legitimate part of the union.
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“China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear-cut,” Lu Kang said, adding both Pakistan and India should jointly work toward peace and stability in the region. Pakistan rightly calls the situation in the valley as a struggle against brutal Indian occupation while India says that Pakistan stokes up terrorism in Kashmir.
China possibly ratified the BRICS declaration which named Lashkar-e-Taiba among others as a terrorist organization because it wants no disruption in its flagship project, CPEC
China has been supportive of Pakistan’s stance and has urged for talks. India, bolstered by the designation of Hizbul Mujahideen as a terrorist organization and Trump’s support of its narrative against Pakistan has maintained the talks cannot go together with alleged terrorism.
In the battle between revisionism and status quo, India is one supporting the latter. They feel that the LoC must become an International Border. Pakistan is a revisionist state which rightfully recognizes the need for the resolution of the issue in-line with the UNSC.
Indo-Pak tensions over Kashmir have precluded India’s entry in China’s OBOR initiative. China possibly ratified the BRICS declaration which named Lashkar-e-Taiba among others as a terrorist organization because it wants no disruption in its flagship project, CPEC.
Read more: Kashmiri civilians terrorized by LoC shellings
Prime Minister Abbasi called out India as a brutal occupying force that is committing war crimes and suppressing the right of the Kashmiris to attain freedom
Despite Indian claims that its forces fight terrorists in Kashmir, the brunt is borne by Kashmiri children and elderly people. Stones are responded to with bullets, pellets, and internet blockade. This pattern is likely to continue as the Kashmiris continue to show grit and defiance to the Indian state.
Beijing wants stability on the borders between India and Pakistan but by the look of things, it seems unlikely. Indian Army Chief has already warned his army to be ready for a 2-front war with Pakistan and China. As the US strengthens strategic defense ties with India, Beijing and Islamabad are well on their way to confront Trump’s new South Asia policy.