Expressing deep concern over the rapidly intensifying hostilities between Pakistan and India, China on Wednesday called for calm and restraint, urging both countries to prioritise peace and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.
In an official statement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the recent Indian aggression against Pakistan as "regrettable" and reiterated its longstanding position favouring regional stability.
“We are seriously concerned about the evolving situation in South Asia,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said during a routine press briefing. “We urge both Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking steps that may aggravate the conflict.”
The spokesperson further stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes, adding that “peace must be given a chance first.”
The Chinese response comes amid heightened military activity along the Line of Control (LoC), after Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian Air Force jets, including Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft, in what it termed a "timely and proportionate response" to Indian airspace violations.
Pakistan's Foreign Office welcomed China’s statement, calling it a “responsible and timely stance by a key regional partner.” Islamabad also reiterated its willingness to cooperate in investigations surrounding the Pulwama incident, which India cited as the reason for its earlier air strikes.
Türkiye voices solidarity with Pakistan amid Indian aggression
Türkiye has strongly condemned India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, extending full solidarity and calling for calm amid rising tensions in South Asia.
In a diplomatic outreach on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan telephoned Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to express grave concern over the deteriorating regional security situation following Indian missile and artillery strikes on Pakistani territory.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the Turkish foreign minister conveyed his government’s firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We are deeply concerned about the escalation and the tragic loss of innocent lives in Pakistan,” said Fidan.
The two leaders discussed the evolving situation and agreed to maintain close contact in the coming days. They stressed the importance of regional stability and urged restraint from all sides to prevent further escalation.
Separately, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan held an emergency meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dar. During the meeting, the ambassador condemned the Indian strikes and offered condolences over the civilian casualties. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s support to Pakistan and stressed the need for international attention to the violation of Pakistan’s airspace and loss of life.
US, UAE urge India and Pakistan to show restraint
As tensions between Pakistan and India continue to escalate following recent cross-border attacks, global powers and regional stakeholders have issued urgent calls for restraint and peaceful resolution through dialogue.
US monitoring situation closely
Speaking at a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States is “closely monitoring the evolving situation between Pakistan and India.” She described the circumstances between Pakistan and India as “fluid and rapidly changing,” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to preventing further escalation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these concerns in a separate statement, emphasizing that the United States is in continuous contact with leadership in both countries. “We are constantly monitoring the situation and remain in communication with Pakistani and Indian officials in pursuit of a peaceful solution,” Rubio said.
