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The article highlights China's complex diplomatic position regarding the relationship between India and Pakistan. On one hand, China maintains a strong strategic partnership with Pakistan, often described as an “iron-clad friendship,” reaffirming its commitment to support Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence. This commitment is demonstrated through high-level communication between Chinese and Pakistani officials, such as the phone call between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. During this call, Wang Yi acknowledged Pakistan’s restraint and responsible approach under challenging circumstances, emphasizing China’s unwavering support for Islamabad. This stance reflects a long-standing alliance rooted in shared geopolitical interests and strategic considerations, particularly in the context of regional power dynamics and security concerns. China's support for Pakistan is not merely symbolic; it encompasses economic cooperation, military assistance, and diplomatic backing on the international stage. This multifaceted relationship underscores the depth and breadth of the strategic partnership between the two countries. China's continued support is crucial for Pakistan, especially in times of regional instability and economic hardship, providing a sense of security and stability in an otherwise volatile environment. The importance of this relationship is further emphasized by Pakistan’s gratitude for China’s unwavering support, as expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the ceasefire announcement. He specifically thanked China for its support over the past 58 years, highlighting the enduring nature of the friendship between the two nations. China's role as Pakistan's closest ally and largest defense partner underscores the strategic importance of their relationship in the broader geopolitical landscape. This alliance has implications for regional security, trade, and diplomatic relations, influencing the dynamics between other key players in the region, including India and the United States.
Conversely, China has also expressed its condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, reiterating its opposition to all forms of terrorism. This stance is evident in Wang Yi’s phone conversation with India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, during which he conveyed China’s condemnation of the attack. Beijing emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Asia, particularly given the complex and volatile international situation. This dual approach reflects China’s desire to balance its strategic alliance with Pakistan with its broader interest in regional stability and its commitment to combating terrorism. By condemning the Pahalgam attack, China seeks to portray itself as a responsible global actor that opposes terrorism regardless of its origin or target. This position is also intended to assuage concerns from India and the international community about China’s perceived leniency towards terrorism emanating from Pakistan. However, experts view this dual approach as a “Janus-faced policy,” suggesting that China’s strategic alliance with Pakistan may take precedence over a consistent stance against terrorism. The term “Janus-faced” refers to the Roman god of duality, who has two faces, symbolizing the contradictory nature of China’s position. This perspective highlights the inherent tension between China’s commitment to its strategic partner and its stated opposition to terrorism. Critics argue that China’s support for Pakistan, despite concerns about its alleged links to terrorist groups, undermines its credibility as a reliable partner in the global fight against terrorism. This perception is further reinforced by China’s historical reluctance to condemn Pakistan for its alleged support of terrorist activities targeting India. Despite these criticisms, China maintains that its approach is aimed at promoting stability and preventing further escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Beijing believes that its engagement with both countries can facilitate dialogue and help resolve their differences peacefully.
The article also touches upon the de-escalation agreement between India and Pakistan, which seeks to ease heightened military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. China was among the first countries to respond to this agreement, extending equal support to both sides and emphasizing the importance of dialogue and consultation to resolve their differences. Beijing further stated that it hopes both sides will remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid any further escalation. This position reflects China’s interest in maintaining stability in the region, as any conflict between India and Pakistan could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security. China’s role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement is also noteworthy. While the Indian government maintained that the agreement was reached through direct negotiations between the two sides, reports suggested that intense diplomatic efforts involving several countries, including China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, played a significant role. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep gratitude to China for its continued support, further underscoring China's role in the de-escalation process. The agreement came after a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following precision strikes by Indian armed forces on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. These events had pushed the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of full-scale war, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue. The ceasefire agreement, which involved halting all military actions by land, air, and sea with immediate effect, represents a significant step towards reducing tensions and preventing further escalation. However, the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict between India and Pakistan remain unresolved, and further efforts will be needed to address these issues and promote long-term stability in the region. China's continued engagement with both countries will be crucial in facilitating dialogue and preventing future conflicts.
Source: Janus-faced China condemns Pahalgam attack but backs 'friend' Pakistan