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The article discusses China's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the ensuing tensions between India and Pakistan. China, identifying Pakistan as its "all-weather strategic cooperative partner," has voiced support for Pakistan and called for an "impartial probe" into the attack that resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. This stance highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with China positioning itself as a key player in mediating the relationship between India and Pakistan. The article points out that the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly, leading to India severing trade, treaty, and border ties with its neighbor. China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, during a phone conversation with Pakistan's deputy PM Mohammad Ishaq Dar, stated that China is closely monitoring the situation and hopes both sides will exercise restraint to de-escalate tensions. Wang Yi also emphasized that China understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. China's support for Pakistan is not a new phenomenon; it is rooted in a long-standing strategic partnership that has evolved over decades. This partnership is driven by shared geopolitical interests, including countering India's regional influence and maintaining stability in the region. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has further strengthened the economic and strategic ties between the two countries. CPEC is a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar port, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea and beyond. India, however, has expressed concerns about CPEC, as it passes through disputed territory in Kashmir. The article also mentions the call from a Pakistani minister for an "independent investigation" into the terror attack with the intervention of Russia, China, and other Western countries. This call reflects Pakistan's desire to internationalize the issue and seek external mediation to resolve the tensions with India. However, the United States, as indicated by President Donald Trump's remarks, seems reluctant to intervene directly, characterizing the tensions at the India-Pakistan borders as a long-standing issue. Trump stated that there have been tensions on that border for 1,500 years. It's been the same, but I am sure they'll figure it out one way or the other. I know both leaders. There's great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been. This hands-off approach from the US contrasts with China's proactive engagement and willingness to mediate between the two countries.
Despite the tensions surrounding the terror attack and the broader India-Pakistan relationship, China has also expressed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that the "boundary question" should not dictate trade relations and that both countries should be partners in each other's success. This statement suggests that China is seeking to compartmentalize the various aspects of its relationship with India, separating the border dispute from economic cooperation. China's interest in maintaining stable relations with India is driven by several factors. First, India is a major economic power and a key market for Chinese goods and investments. Second, both countries are members of various multilateral organizations, such as the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where they cooperate on a range of issues. Third, China recognizes that a stable and peaceful relationship with India is essential for regional stability. The article also notes that India and China have completed the difficult disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh, effectively ending the 54-month-long military standoff in the region. This disengagement is seen as a significant step toward normalizing bilateral relations. The standoff in Ladakh had significantly strained the relationship between India and China, leading to increased military deployments and heightened tensions along the border. The disengagement process involved several rounds of negotiations between military commanders from both sides, and it was eventually agreed that both sides would withdraw their troops from the disputed areas. The completion of the disengagement process has paved the way for further dialogue and cooperation between India and China. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack, intensifying its efforts to collect evidence and question eyewitnesses to unravel the conspiracy. The NIA's involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the Indian government's determination to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. The NIA has a track record of investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related cases, and its expertise will be crucial in uncovering the details of the conspiracy. The investigation will likely focus on identifying the individuals and groups responsible for the attack, as well as determining their motives and sources of support. The investigation will also likely examine the security vulnerabilities that allowed the attack to occur and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The geopolitical landscape surrounding the India-Pakistan relationship, with China's involvement, is multifaceted. China's support for Pakistan stems from a combination of strategic alignment and economic interdependence. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, has deepened the economic ties between the two countries, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea and bolstering Pakistan's infrastructure development. However, CPEC also raises concerns for India, as it passes through disputed territory in Kashmir, further complicating the already strained relationship. China's role as a mediator between India and Pakistan is complex. While China has expressed its willingness to facilitate dialogue and de-escalate tensions, its close relationship with Pakistan may be perceived as a bias towards Islamabad. India, on the other hand, has been wary of external mediation, preferring to address its issues with Pakistan bilaterally. The United States' approach to the India-Pakistan relationship has been characterized by a degree of disengagement, particularly under the Trump administration. While the US has historically played a role in mediating between the two countries, its current focus is primarily on counter-terrorism and regional security. The US's withdrawal from Afghanistan has also added to the complexity of the regional dynamics, potentially creating a power vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups. The interplay of these factors – China's strategic partnership with Pakistan, India's concerns about CPEC, the US's disengagement, and the ongoing threat of terrorism – creates a volatile mix that requires careful management. China's call for an "impartial probe" into the Pahalgam terror attack reflects its desire to maintain stability in the region and prevent further escalation. However, the success of any investigation will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved, including India, Pakistan, and potentially other countries. The investigation must be transparent and credible to address the concerns of all stakeholders and prevent the spread of misinformation and propaganda. Ultimately, the resolution of the India-Pakistan conflict requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues, including territorial disputes, cross-border terrorism, and water sharing. While external mediation can play a role, the primary responsibility for resolving the conflict lies with India and Pakistan themselves. They must engage in meaningful dialogue, build trust, and find common ground to forge a lasting peace. China, as a major regional power, can contribute to this process by promoting dialogue, facilitating economic cooperation, and encouraging restraint. However, China must also be mindful of India's concerns and avoid any actions that could further exacerbate tensions.
The recent disengagement in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh represents a positive step towards normalizing relations between India and China. The military standoff in the region had lasted for nearly four years, significantly straining the relationship between the two countries. The disengagement process involved several rounds of negotiations between military commanders from both sides, and it was eventually agreed that both sides would withdraw their troops from the disputed areas. The completion of the disengagement process is a testament to the commitment of both India and China to resolve their differences through peaceful means. However, the border dispute between India and China remains unresolved. The two countries have held numerous rounds of talks to try to reach a settlement, but progress has been slow. The border dispute is a complex issue with deep historical roots. It involves several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. The resolution of the border dispute will require a willingness from both sides to compromise and find mutually acceptable solutions. In the meantime, India and China must continue to manage the border peacefully and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions. They must also strengthen their communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations. The economic relationship between India and China is another important factor in their overall relationship. India is a major market for Chinese goods and investments, and China is a major source of foreign direct investment for India. The two countries have a growing trade relationship, but there are also some trade imbalances. India has expressed concerns about its trade deficit with China and has called for greater market access for Indian goods and services. China has responded by taking some steps to address India's concerns, but more needs to be done. The economic relationship between India and China has the potential to be a major driver of growth and development for both countries. However, it is important that the relationship is balanced and mutually beneficial. In addition to the border dispute and the economic relationship, there are also several other issues that affect the relationship between India and China. These include China's relationship with Pakistan, India's concerns about China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean, and the two countries' competing interests in various international organizations. The resolution of these issues will require a sustained effort from both sides to build trust and understanding. India and China are two of the largest and most influential countries in Asia. Their relationship is critical for regional and global stability. It is important that the two countries work together to address their differences and build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.