China's neutral stance questioned amid India-Pakistan tension
China calls for calm in the India-Pakistan conflict, but its actions suggest favoritism toward Islamabad. Is Beijing truly neutral?
Main information
- India conducted attacks on targets in Pakistan in retaliation for the attack in Pahalgam.
- China officially calls for calm, but its actions indicate support for Pakistan.
- The conflict affects China's strategic interests in the region.
During the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, India conducted attacks on targets in Pakistan and the Pakistani part of Kashmir as retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. India blamed a group linked to Pakistan for the attack.
Although China officially condemned the attack in Pahalgam, it expressed concern over India's actions. Beijing calls for resolving the conflict through dialogue, by the United Nations Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. However, analysts note that China often leans towards Pakistan.
Authorities in Beijing describe Pakistan as an "iron friend" and "strategic partner." After the attack, China's foreign minister expressed support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. China offers help in protecting Islamabad’s sovereignty, which raises distrust in India.
Less than a week after the April terrorist attack, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. During the discussion, he expressed “full understanding for Pakistan's legitimate security concerns.” He also offered support in “protecting sovereignty.”
China's strategic interests
Srikanth Kondapalli of India's Jawaharlal Nehru University points out that although China called for an "impartial investigation" into the April attack, it supported Pakistan. China's involvement in the conflict is connected to its strategic interests, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This corridor runs through disputed territories of Kashmir, making China interested in stabilizing the region.
Experts point out that although China tries to be a stabilizer, its ability to mediate is limited. India does not trust Beijing due to previous border clashes and strategic rivalry. Developing Chinese infrastructure in the disputed Aksai Chin region further complicates the situation. Imran Ahmed from the National University of Singapore stated that authorities in Delhi are unlikely to accept Beijing as a mediator, especially one that seems to legitimize Pakistan’s position.
