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The article details China's support for Pakistan's demand for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which India has blamed on Pakistan. This endorsement comes in the wake of Pakistan appealing to western nations, Russia, and China to conduct such an investigation, following allegations of its involvement in the April 22 attack. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, conveyed this support during a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. Wang Yi emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into the terrorist attacks on Indian soil and expressed China's hope that both India and Pakistan would exercise restraint and work towards de-escalating tensions. The phone call, initiated at Pakistan's request, saw Dar brief Wang Yi on the latest developments following the terrorist attack. Dar reiterated Pakistan's opposition to actions that escalate tensions and affirmed its commitment to combating terrorism. He also expressed Pakistan's intention to manage the situation maturely and maintain communication with China and the international community. China, according to Wang Yi, is closely monitoring the developments and consistently supports Pakistan's firm counter-terrorism efforts. Wang Yi also highlighted that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility of all nations. The relationship between China and Pakistan was underscored as one of an 'ironclad friend' and a cooperative partner under any circumstances. China perceives Pakistan’s security concerns as legitimate and conveyed its support in upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security interests. Wang Yi emphasized that an India-Pakistan conflict is not in the interest of regional peace and stability, nor does it serve the fundamental interests of the two countries. He reiterated China’s hope that both sides would exercise restraint, move towards each other, and work to de-escalate tensions. In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched a five-point diplomatic offensive against Pakistan. This offensive included the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Wagah-Attari Border, and the halting of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. India also instructed Pakistani nationals within its borders to vacate the country within 48 hours. The article highlights the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack and the diplomatic maneuvering by both countries, with China playing a significant role in supporting Pakistan's position and advocating for de-escalation. The situation remains complex and requires careful management to prevent further escalation.
The dynamics between China, Pakistan, and India are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with regional security concerns, economic interests, and historical grievances. China's support for Pakistan is a long-standing feature of their bilateral relationship, often described as an 'all-weather friendship.' This support is rooted in shared strategic interests, including countering India's influence in the region and cooperating on infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a crucial component of the BRI, connecting Kashgar in Xinjiang to the port of Gwadar in Pakistan, and represents a significant investment by China in Pakistan's infrastructure and economy. This economic cooperation strengthens the political and strategic ties between the two countries. India views the China-Pakistan relationship with concern, particularly in the context of border disputes and historical conflicts. The ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China have further strained their relationship. India's concerns are compounded by China's increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region and its support for Pakistan on international platforms. The Pahalgam terrorist attack has exacerbated these existing tensions, with India directly accusing Pakistan of involvement and taking retaliatory measures. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, though not a complete abrogation, signals a significant shift in India's approach towards Pakistan and raises concerns about the future of water management in the region. The closure of the Wagah-Attari Border and the halting of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme further isolate Pakistan diplomatically. China's call for de-escalation reflects its desire to maintain stability in the region, which is essential for the success of its BRI projects and its broader strategic goals. China's role as a mediator between India and Pakistan is complicated by its close ties with Pakistan and its ongoing disputes with India. However, China recognizes the potential for conflict to disrupt regional stability and is therefore motivated to encourage dialogue and restraint. The situation requires careful diplomacy and a willingness from all parties to address the underlying issues that contribute to the ongoing tensions.
The implications of China's backing of Pakistan's demand for an independent probe extend beyond the immediate context of the Pahalgam terror attack. It highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in South Asia, where external powers like China and the United States are increasingly involved. The United States, while maintaining strategic partnerships with both India and Pakistan, has expressed concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and has urged Pakistan to take stronger action against terrorist groups. The differing perspectives of China and the United States on the issue of terrorism in the region reflect the complex interplay of strategic interests and ideological differences. The role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, is also crucial in addressing the issue of terrorism and promoting regional stability. The UN Security Council has designated several individuals and entities based in Pakistan as terrorist organizations, and there are ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism. The challenge lies in finding a common ground that respects the sovereignty of individual nations while also addressing the shared threat of terrorism. The need for an independent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam attack is paramount to establishing the facts and ensuring accountability. However, the involvement of external actors in such an investigation could raise concerns about bias and interference. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that any investigation is conducted in a transparent and credible manner, with the participation of all relevant parties. The future of India-Pakistan relations hinges on their ability to address the underlying issues that contribute to the ongoing tensions, including the issue of terrorism. This requires a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue, build trust, and address each other's concerns. China can play a constructive role in facilitating this process, but ultimately, the responsibility lies with India and Pakistan to find a way to coexist peacefully and address their shared challenges. The Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the need for sustained efforts to promote stability and cooperation.
The article also illuminates the delicate balance of power within the South Asian region, where India, Pakistan, and China are key players. India's recent diplomatic offensive, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, is a strong signal of its displeasure with Pakistan's alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has been a cornerstone of cooperation between the two countries, even during times of conflict. Suspending the treaty, even partially, has significant implications for water management and could exacerbate tensions. The closure of the Wagah-Attari Border and the halting of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme further isolate Pakistan diplomatically and could have negative consequences for people-to-people exchanges and regional trade. China's support for Pakistan's sovereignty and security interests is a consistent theme in their bilateral relationship. This support is often viewed by India as a challenge to its regional dominance and a reflection of China's strategic containment policy. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key element of this strategy, providing China with access to the Indian Ocean and enhancing its influence in the region. India has consistently opposed CPEC, citing concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity, as the corridor passes through disputed territory in Kashmir. The Pahalgam attack has further complicated the already strained relationship between India and Pakistan, and China's support for Pakistan's demand for an independent probe adds another layer of complexity. The need for de-escalation is paramount, but finding a path forward requires a willingness from all parties to address the underlying issues that contribute to the ongoing tensions. The role of external powers, such as the United States and Russia, is also important. The United States has traditionally played a role in mediating between India and Pakistan, but its relationship with Pakistan has become more complex in recent years due to concerns about terrorism. Russia has also sought to play a more active role in the region, promoting dialogue and cooperation. The challenge lies in finding a balance between competing interests and promoting a stable and prosperous South Asia. The Pahalgam attack serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to promote peace and cooperation in the region.
Furthermore, the article implicitly touches upon the complexities of defining and combating terrorism, a challenge that plagues the international community. While India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups, Pakistan denies these allegations and maintains that it is also a victim of terrorism. The lack of a universally agreed-upon definition of terrorism makes it difficult to address the issue effectively and can lead to accusations of double standards. The article highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, but also underscores the challenges of achieving consensus on how to address the issue. The role of state actors in supporting or harboring terrorist groups is a particularly sensitive issue, and accusations of state sponsorship of terrorism can have significant political and economic consequences. The Pahalgam attack serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent civilians and the need for effective measures to prevent future attacks. This includes strengthening border security, improving intelligence sharing, and addressing the root causes of radicalization. The article also touches upon the importance of addressing the underlying grievances and conflicts that contribute to terrorism. In the case of India and Pakistan, the unresolved issue of Kashmir is a major source of tension and a breeding ground for extremism. Finding a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir issue is essential for promoting long-term stability in the region. The article also highlights the importance of promoting education and economic development to counter radicalization. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education can create conditions that are conducive to extremism. Investing in education and economic development can help to create opportunities for young people and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. The challenge lies in creating a more inclusive and prosperous society that provides opportunities for all, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Pahalgam attack serves as a reminder of the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to combating terrorism that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of the problem. The role of civil society organizations and community leaders is also important in promoting tolerance and understanding and countering extremist narratives. The article implicitly calls for a renewed commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in order to address the challenges of terrorism and promote peace and stability in South Asia.
Source: China backs Pakistan's 'independent probe' demand on Pahalgam terror attack