'China and Pakistan are close neighbours...but': Beijing on military support to Islamabad during Operation Sindoor

Even as Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir slammed India over the recent suggestion by Indian Army's Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh that Beijing provided active military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, saying such statements are "factually incorrect", China sought to downplay the suggestion. 

 

While responding to a question on Gen. Singh's remarks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. Let me say that China and Pakistan are close neighbours enjoying traditional friendship. Defence and security cooperation is part of the normal cooperation between the two countries and does not target any third party."

 

Pointing out that India and Pakistan are and will always be each other's neighbours and that they are important neighbours of China as well, she said the China-Pakistan relations do not target any third party. 

 

Gen. Singh had said during a recent conference that while Pakistan was the "front face" of the battle with India, China extended all possible support to its all-weather ally.

READ MORE: China didn't help Pakistan in the battle against India, claims Asim Munir; issues a chilling threat

Mao further said the relationship between India and China is at a critical moment of improvement and development, and Beijing would like to promote a steady growth of bilateral ties with New Delhi.

 

Mao claimed that over the past weeks and months, China has closely followed the developments between India and Pakistan, and actively promoted talks for peace, and worked to maintain regional peace and stability. "China welcomes and supports India and Pakistan in properly settling differences and seeking fundamental solutions through dialogue and consultation. China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role for this end."

 

Meanwhile, Munir had claimed that suggestions regarding external support to Pakistan during the recent military standoff are "irresponsible and factually incorrect and reflect a chronic reluctance to acknowledge indigenous capability and institutional resilience developed over decades of strategic prudence."

Defence