BEIJING, Sept 26:
For the second time in less than a week, China today snubbed Pakistan by declining to back reports in Pakistani media claiming Beijing’s support for the country in the event of any aggression and backing it on the Kashmir issue.
As a “neighbour and friend”, China once again appealed to India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue to “properly” resolve disputes, including the Kashmir issue which it said was “left over from history”, and jointly work towards regional peace and stability.
Asked about reported remarks by Pakistan Consul General in Lahore Yu Boren that China will support Pakistan against any foreign aggression and backs Islamabad on the Kashmir issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told media briefing here he was not aware of any such remarks made by the envoy.
“I am not aware of the situation you mentioned. But China’s position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear,” he said.
“As the neighbour and friend to both Pakistan and India, we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation, manage and control the situation and jointly work for the peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region.
“With regard to the Kashmir issue, we believe it is an issue left over from history. We hope the relevant parties will peacefully and properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation,” he said.
He was replying to a question about remarks attributed to Yu made during his meeting with Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province Shahbaz Sharif. (PTI)
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