Beijing calls on Pak, India to solve differences over Kashmir

As tensions mount between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed, China on Wednesday called on both the arch-rivals to solve their differences over Kashmir.

"[China] hopes that Pakistan and India will strengthen channels for dialogue, appropriately handle any differences, improve bilateral relations and together protect the region's peace and stability", the Dawn quoted China's deputy foreign minister, Liu Zhenmin as saying.

Liu made the remarks to Pakistan's special envoys to China for Kashmir and said that Beijing values Islamabad's position on Kashmir.

Beijing has long been a strong diplomatic, military and economic supporter of Pakistan and their relationship is also touted as "all-weather friends".

Tensions between India and Pakistan rose after New Delhi cancelled its attendance to the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, scheduled to take place in November in Islamabad.

Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz had yesterday told the Senate that revocation of the Indus Waters Treaty by India "can be taken as an act of war" again Islamabad.

China had earlier assured in unequivocal terms its support in case of any foreign aggression and said that it supports Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue.