New Delhi: In a blow to Pakistan's belief that its all-weather friend China will stand by it, irrespective of the circumstances of the day, Beijing has rejected media reports that it has extended “full support to Pakistan.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Yu Boren today said that he was “not aware” of comments attributed to him in Pakistani media that China will extend its full support to Pakistan “incase of any (foreign) aggression.”
“I am not aware of the situation you mentioned. But China's position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by NDTV.
A recent report in Pakistani newspaper DAWN, citing a press release issued by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's Office, had also quoted Yu as saying: “We’re and will be siding with Pakistan on Kashmir issue...There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in...[India-] held Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute should be solved in accordance with aspirations of the Kashmiris.”
In response to the statement, Yu said, “With regard to the Kashmir issue, we believe it is an issue left over from history. We hope the relevant parties will peacefully and properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation."
It is the second time in recent days that China had to come up with a clarification against statements attributed to it.
Earlier, the Chinese had also refused to confirm whether Prime Minister Li Keqiang had offered support during his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have been rising after the September 18 terror attack on an army base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 18 Indian soldiers.
India has blamed the attack on militants from Pakistan which has rejected allegations of its involvement.
With inputs
