China calls for restraint amid India-Pakistan escalation
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement concerning India's aggression against Pakistan. Beijing expressed "regret" and "concern." China also called on both sides of the conflict to "remain calm and exercise restraint."
What you need to know
- India conducted missile strikes on five locations in Pakistan. Pakistan immediately announced a determined retaliation.
- The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both countries to maintain calm and prioritise peace.
- As a result of the mutual attacks, the authorities of India and Pakistan reported casualties.
Reaction from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
An unnamed spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a question about the escalation of tensions and the Indian operation, emphasised that China "opposes all forms of terrorism."
"India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot move, and both countries are also neighbours to China. We urge India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, maintain calm and restraint, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation," he added.
Operation "Sindoor"
India announced on Wednesday morning local time, which converts to Greenwich Mean Time, that it had started a military operation "Sindoor" against Pakistan, targeting "terrorist infrastructure" in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It emphasised that no military targets were attacked.
According to the spokesperson for the Pakistani Armed Forces, Gen. Ahmed Sharif, eight people were killed and nearly 40 were injured on Pakistani territory. He added that the Pakistani Armed Forces shot down five Indian machines, including three Rafale aircraft and one each of Su-30 and MiG-29.
The Indian army reported that three civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir were killed due to shelling by Pakistani troops from across the border.
