China pushes for restraint between India, Pakistan

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - China asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint Tuesday after India Air Forces (IAF) launched attacks inside Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The Press Trust of India quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang who said, “We have taken note of the relevant reports.

“I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and cooperation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia,” Lu said. “We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and do more to improve their bilateral relations."

Beijing, however, impressed upon New Delhi to “carry out its fight against terrorism through international cooperation.”

“As for India's claim on taking action against terrorism, well fighting terrorism is a global practice,” said Lu. “It needs necessary international cooperation. India needs to create favorable condition internationally for the same.”

The Indian government said its IAF fighter jets "struck Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militant group's biggest camp" in Pakistan in a pre-dawn attack Tuesday.

The IAF carried out a “non-military pre-emptive strikes” directed at training camps of the “terrorist groups who are carrying out violent acts in India,” according to the Indian foreign secretary.