China Hopes India, Pakistan Will Address Differences Through Dialogue 

Beijing: China on Monday distanced itself from the reported remarks of its consul general in Lahore that Beijing will support Islamabad in case of foreign aggression and hoped that India and Pakistan will engage in dialogue to address their differences.

Beijing also hoped the two sides will manage and control the situation and the Kashmir issue will be resolved peacefully through dialogue between relevant parties.

Responding to reported remarks of Chinese Consul General in Lahore Yu Boren about Beijing’s support in case of “any foreign aggression”, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said he “was not aware of the situation you mentioned.”

A statement issued by the Pakistani Punjab Chief Minister’s Office last week had said that China has assured Pakistan in unequivocal terms of its support in case of “any foreign aggression” and also supported Islamabad’s stance on the Kashmir dispute.

The statement was issued after meeting of Consul General of China in Lahore Yu Boren with Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after the September 18 terror attack in Uri close to the Line of Control that killed 18 Indian soldiers earlier this month. India has blamed the attack on militants from Pakistan.

--IANS