China calls for restraint amid rising India-Pakistan tensions after Kashmir terrorist attack

China urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions following a deadly terrorist attack in the Kashmir region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday.

The conversation, held at Dar’s request, came amid rising hostilities after gunmen killed at least 26 people and injured several others in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Most of those killed were reported to be travelers, according to CNN.

During the call, Dar briefed Wang on the latest developments, reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism and its commitment to preventing further escalation. Dar emphasized that Pakistan would adopt a mature approach in handling the situation and would continue communicating with China and the broader international community.

Wang stated that China is closely monitoring the evolving situation. He stressed that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility among nations and reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. “As an ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to uphold sovereignty and security interests,” Wang said.

China also advocated for a prompt and impartial investigation into the attack. Wang highlighted that continued conflict does not serve the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan and threatens regional peace and stability. Beijing hopes both sides will exercise restraint, seek dialogue, and work to de-escalate tensions, he added.

Tensions between the two neighbors have been mounting. According to a report by The New York Times, India has ordered the immediate departure of some staff members from Pakistan’s diplomatic mission and Pakistani citizens visiting India. In response, Pakistan announced it would suspend participation in several bilateral treaties, including agreements related to the Line of Control — the de facto border in the disputed region — where a cease-fire had largely been maintained for several years.

China’s call for calm reflects broader concerns about stability in South Asia, a region long marked by complex historical disputes and periodic violence. The Kashmir region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but administered in parts by each, has remained a flashpoint for conflict since the two countries gained independence in 1947.

As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to watch closely, urging both nuclear-armed nations to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue.