What happened?
Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, China has urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and called for a swift and fair investigation into the incident. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Islamabad in safeguarding its sovereignty. China emphasized its willingness to support measures that would help de-escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Why it matters to India
China’s public backing of Pakistan amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions complicates New Delhi’s diplomatic efforts following the Pahalgam attack. While India moves to isolate Pakistan globally, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, Beijing’s intervention signals continued strategic support for Islamabad. This underlines the growing China-Pakistan nexus and reinforces India’s need to recalibrate its regional security and diplomatic strategies carefully to counter the emerging geopolitical challenge.