China emphasizes need of resolution of issues between Pakistan, India through negotiations

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for calm and restraint in Pakistan-India relations following recent tensions, the Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing on Friday, he urged resolution of issues between the two countries through dialogue.

Chinese Foreign Minister hoped that the two sides would turn the page and focus on long-term improvement in relations.

The Chinese FM said that "New Delhi and Islamabad should 'meet each other halfway' to de-escalate the crisis, portraying China’s role as a balancing act between its nuclear-armed neighbours."

While declaring Pakistan as its “iron brother” China said that it played a constructive role in defusing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

While responding to a question, the Chinese FM said that “China has stressed from the beginning the need to exercise calm and restraint, prevent an escalation, find out what has happened, and resolve the matter through dialogue.”

“We advise both parties to quickly turn this page and seek fundamental, long-term improvement in their relations,” Wang added.