China on Friday declared Pakistan as its “iron brother” and said Beijing played a “constructive role” in defusing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Speaking on the sidelines of the annual National People’s Congress legislative meetings, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, Beijing played a 'constructive role' in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama, occupied Kashmir.
"New Delhi and Islamabad should 'meet each other halfway' to de-escalate the crisis, portraying China’s role as a balancing act between its nuclear-armed neighbours," Wang said.
“China has stressed from the beginning the need to exercise calm and restraint, prevent an escalation, find out what has happened, and resolve the matter through dialogue,” the Chinese foreign minister said while responding to a question.
During the press briefing, he also referred to Pakistan as “China’s iron brother".
“China hopes that Pakistan and India will transform the crisis into an opportunity and meet each other halfway,” he said.
“We advise both parties to quickly turn this page and seek fundamental, long-term improvement in their relations,” Wang added.
Earlier this week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou reiterated his country's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region.
The Chinese vice foreign minister visited Pakistan on March 5-6, where he called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
During the meetings, both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their time-tested and all-weather strategic, cooperative partnership.
Xuanyou underscored that Pakistan and China are close friends and partners, and reiterated China's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region, the statement read further. He also acknowledged Pakistan's measures against terrorism.
