China Changes Tack On Kashmir

Beijing drops reference to UN role, calls for direct talks between India and Pak.

- Atul Aneja

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India and Nepal, Beijing has dropped references to the role of the United Nations in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Instead, Beijing has advocated direct talks between New Delhi and Islamabad. In the presence of visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army StaffGeneral Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, in response to a question, said: “China’s position on the Kashmir issue is consistent and clear. We call upon India and Pakistan to enhance dialogue and consultation on issues including Kashmir and consolidate mutual trust. This is in line with the interests of both countries and common aspirations of the world.”

Significant departure