China's neutrality questioned as tensions rise in South Asia
China calls for calm in the India-Pakistan conflict, but their actions suggest favouritism towards Islamabad. Is Beijing truly neutral?
Main information
- India conducted attacks on targets in Pakistan in retaliation for the attack in Pahalgam.
- China officially calls for calm, but its actions indicate support for Pakistan.
- The conflict affects China's strategic interests in the region.
During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, India carried out strikes on targets in Pakistan and the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir. This was in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. India accused a group linked to Pakistan of orchestrating the attack.
Although China officially condemned the attack in Pahalgam, it expressed concern over India's response. Beijing has called for the conflict to be resolved through dialogue, in line with the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. However, analysts note that China often tends to favour Pakistan.
Authorities in Beijing regard Pakistan as an "iron friend" and "strategic partner." Following the attack, China's foreign minister expressed support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. China's assistance in protecting Islamabad’s sovereignty raises distrust in India.
Less than a week after the April terrorist attack, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. During the discussion, he expressed "full understanding for Pakistan's legitimate security concerns." He also offered support in “protecting sovereignty.”
China's strategic interests
Srikanth Kondapalli of India's Jawaharlal Nehru University highlights that although China called for an "impartial investigation" into the April attack, they supported Pakistan. China's involvement in the conflict is tied to its strategic interests, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This corridor passes through disputed areas of Kashmir, making China keen on stabilising the region.
Experts suggest that while China aims to act as a stabiliser, its mediation ability is limited. India is sceptical of Beijing due to previous border clashes and strategic rivalry. Developing Chinese infrastructure in the disputed Aksai Chin region further complicates matters. Imran Ahmed from the National University of Singapore stated that authorities in Delhi are unlikely to accept Beijing as a mediator, especially one that seems to legitimise Pakistan’s position.
