China has once again shown support for Pakistan following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the loss of 26 innocent lives. This endorsement aligns with China’s historically self-serving foreign policy, characterized by a reluctance to confront Pakistan’s connections with militant groups.
In a recent phone conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. While articulating support, Yi urged Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peace, indirectly involving India in his statements. The terrorist group known as The Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, openly admitting its ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based group that has long been implicated in cross-border terror activities.
Despite this, China appears to be downplaying the ramifications of the attack, reiterating its unwavering stance in favor of Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. Pakistan, for its part, has denied any involvement in the assault, asserting that it has no connections to either The Resistance Front or Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan has called for an impartial investigation by an international panel, which China has supported, enhancing its narrative that Pakistan is innocent in this operation.
In light of the current geopolitical tensions, some argue that China’s support for Pakistan could be better directed. Instead of endorsing its narrative, China could use its influence to encourage Pakistan to acknowledge its role in harboring terrorist organizations and to curb cross-border terrorism against India. Historical precedents suggest that international pressure can yield significant outcomes; for instance, in 2019, the U.S. successfully urged Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the Pulwama attack, which claimed 40 Indian soldiers’ lives.
At present, the dynamics have shifted. The Biden administration has not prioritized engagement in South Asia, lacking ambassadors in both India and Pakistan, and is preoccupied with domestic issues stemming from past trade policies. Additionally, with no U.S. military presence in nearby Afghanistan, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will intervene to mitigate escalating tensions.
Russia is also distracted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, limiting its capacity to act as a peace broker in the region. This presents a significant opportunity for China to lead in promoting stability between India and Pakistan. By pressuring Pakistan to step away from supporting terrorism and take initial steps toward de-escalation, China could play a critical role in preventing further conflict along the volatile border.
The situation in Kashmir underscores the complexities of international relationships and the pressing need for genuine dialogue. As global powers grapple with their domestic and foreign commitments, the time for proactive engagement in South Asia may very well be now, particularly for China.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/opinion/pahalgam-aftermath-china-chooses-friendship-over-fairness-1575869
Category : Opinion
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Publish Date: 2025-05-01 11:59:00
