China snubbed Pakistan on Monday by denying media reports that Beijing had assured to help the country in the event of any foreign aggression and also support the country on the Kashmir issue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said that he wasn't aware of the remarks made by Pakistan Consul General in Lahore Yu Boren that China is with Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute. He said that the issue should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
"As the neighbour and friend to both Pakistan and India, we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation, manage and control the situation and jointly work for the peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region," he was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India (PTI).
"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," he added.
The statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry came after Punjab (Pakistan) Chief Minister's Office stated that China sides Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
"In case of any [foreign] aggression our country will extend its full support to Pakistan... 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," Consul General of China in Lahore Yu Boren was quoted as saying by the CM Office on Friday, the Dawn reported.
Relations between India and Pakistan have taken a beating after the Uri terror attack on September 18 that killed 19 Indian soldiers and injured 12 others.
