Source: Global Times
After the recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, a ceasefire has been achieved. Although the current ceasefire understanding agreement is still in effect, the Indian public discourse remains noisy, especially with the hype surrounding the so-called "Chinese involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict." The New Delhi Center for Joint Operations Research, which claims to be an independent think tank, recently claimed that China provided air defense systems and satellite support to Pakistan during this month's India-Pakistan conflict. Some Indian media outlets have slandered China for sheltering "terrorism," while certain Indian media have imagined China as part of a so-called "anti-India axis." Some Western media quickly paid attention to and amplified these voices, attempting to manipulate the narrative.
In fact, just earlier, the Indian government had debunked false news circulating in the media and on social media about "External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar saying that Chinese satellites assisted Pakistan," and advised "to stay vigilant and avoid being deceived." Since the outbreak of the India-Pakistan conflict, China has repeatedly called for both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of the situation. China has also conducted multiple contacts through various channels with the two countries separately. China expects India and Pakistan to properly resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, returning to the track of political resolution.
Neither the official sides of India nor Pakistan have involved a third country in the conflict, which to some extent shows their willingness not to further complicate the situation. However, the Indian media continues to hype up the so-called "Chinese intervention," which is not only unreasonable but also very dangerous. Firstly, China opposes all forms of terrorism, which is evident internationally, and the accusation of "China sheltering terrorism" is completely baseless. Secondly, blaming China for purchasing Chinese weapons by Pakistan is also unjustified. The Indian military has purchased a large number of weapons from the United States, Russia, and France; does this mean that the U.S., Russia, and France are helping India fight against Pakistan? Even if we take a step back, if China had really militarily intervened in the India-Pakistan conflict, the situation on the battlefield would probably not be what it is today. Thirdly, being a good neighbor, maintaining peace and prosperity, and fostering mutual respect and sincerity are China's principles toward neighboring countries. The self-imagination of China becoming part of a "anti-India axis" is purely a dramatization by some Indian media.
This conflict is a matter between India and Pakistan. As a regional country, China hopes that both sides can peacefully handle disputes. The essence of the炒作by Indian media reflects the complex mindset of some people in India regarding China-Pakistan strategic cooperation and Sino-Indian relations, which also includes concerns about the power comparison between China and India. They refuse to face the deep structural contradictions within South Asia's complex issues and also ignore the enhancement of Pakistan's defensive will and counterattack capabilities. Thus, fabricating external enemies has become a psychological and public opinion shortcut. China should not be dragged into narratives aimed at accusing others, which is not only unfair and unacceptable to China but also very dangerous for the region.
As a responsible major country, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order. Regarding the India-Pakistan issue, whether it is promoting the inclusion of both India and Pakistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework or calling for dialogue to resolve disputes in multilateral occasions such as the United Nations, China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in South Asia. Hannah Heymann, a scholar at the Stimson Center in the United States, mentioned in her previous paper that historically, China has played a mediating role in most major conflicts and disputes between India and Pakistan. Facing continuous conflicts and unresolved disputes, promoting regional stability has increasingly become China's interest.
Since the partition of India and Pakistan, the Kashmir issue has always been the core problem that has plagued the relationship between India and Pakistan. It has not only caused multiple wars between the two countries but also posed a great threat to regional security and stability. The pressing task now is to find a way out for solving the Kashmir issue, transforming the current fragile peace into lasting peace, rather than creating new regional tensions. India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot be moved away, and they are both China's neighbors. China consistently advocates resolving disputes through dialogue. China is willing to work with India to enhance trust, manage differences, and expand cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation. We also advise relevant media and institutions in India to stop groundless accusations and hype, return to facts and rationality, which is not only beneficial to regional peace and stability but also in India's long-term interests.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7506198915823026728/
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