South Asia

‘Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue between India and Pakistan'

Update: 15:01, 13 December 2023

China reiterated its stance on the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the necessity for India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and consultations to resolve the matter peacefully.

This statement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in response to India's Supreme Court verdict regarding Article 370, which upheld the central government's decision on the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Maintaining a consistent and clear position, Mao Ning stated, "On the Kashmir issue, China's position is consistent and clear," in reply to a query posed by a Pakistani journalist seeking China's viewpoint on the matter.
India's Supreme Court recently affirmed the central government's move to revoke the provisions of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court also directed the restoration of statehood "at the earliest" and urged for assembly elections to be held by September 30 of the following year.
Highlighting the historical dispute between India and Pakistan, Mao Ning emphasized the importance of addressing it using peaceful means, in accordance with the UN Charter, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and pertinent bilateral agreements.
The Chinese spokesperson stressed the necessity for relevant stakeholders to engage in dialogue, consultations, and the preservation of peace and stability within the region.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision Chinese spokesperson remarked that the verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 held 'no legal value.' Pakistan asserted that international law does not recognize India's 'unilateral and illegal actions' taken on August 5, 2019.