China has tried to assert itself regarding the recent ceasefire negotiations between India and Pakistan, which were mediated by President Donald Trump this past Saturday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made several appeals to both nations as tensions escalated.
The state-run Global Times reported on Sunday. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its “sincere and constructive role” but also acknowledged his “very trustworthy and dear friend” in China.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks. China has always stood by Pakistan in its 78-year history,” he said.
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan escalated last month following a series of violent terrorist attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India condemned the Pakistani government, believing it was complicit with the terrorist group that orchestrated the attacks.
India expressed dissatisfaction when Pakistan didn’t quickly address the group deemed responsible. India launched air strikes on supposed terrorist camps in Pakistan, leading to retaliatory fire from the Pakistani military. The situation escalated further, seeming nearly poised for a larger conflict by Saturday as both nations targeted each other’s military installations.
President Trump announced a “complete and immediate” ceasefire that morning, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio heavily involved in the discussions.
However, India reacted skeptically to China’s claims on the ceasefire developments. Rumors of potential violations of the ceasefire began circulating early Monday. Criticism arose as China’s foreign minister reiterated support for Pakistan.
According to a statement from the Pakistani government, the minister informed Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishak Dar that Beijing backs “Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of its people.”
New Delhi does not view China as an impartial or genuine mediator in its disputes with Pakistan, especially considering the close ties forged through China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
On Monday, the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) firmly denied any allegations of rapidly providing military support to Pakistan amidst the escalating situation with India.
“Spreading military rumors is against the law! Those responsible will face legal action!” a PLA representative said, expressing clear frustration at discussions about purported military assistance for Pakistan.
Both Pakistani and U.S. officials emphasized that Pakistan successfully engaged Indian troops using a China-made J-10 fighter in an airstrike operation last Tuesday. Conflicting claims emerged from both India and Pakistan regarding the effectiveness of their respective military actions.
Some analysts are uncertain about the reliability of Chinese military hardware in a prolonged conflict, especially when pitted against India’s diverse arsenal of Russian and Western weapons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India stated on Monday that his country had merely “suspended” Operation Sindoor and would “respond as necessary” if terrorist activities continued from Pakistani territory.
“We will closely monitor Pakistan’s actions,” Modi remarked. “This is not an era of war, but it’s also not a time for terrorism.”
