China welcomes India, Pak agreement to observe 2003 ceasefire

China today commended India and Pakistan for their decision to observe the 2003 ceasefire agreement to stop cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the two neighbours will "properly resolve" their differences.

The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 29, during a conversation over the hotline, agreed to fully implement the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" to stop cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We commend the positive actions taken by both sides," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media briefing here.

"We hope that both sides could properly resolve their disputes through dialogue and consultation and maintain regional peace and stability," she said in response to a question.

The LoC has been witnessing increasing hostilities in the last few months.

According to Defence sources in New Delhi, a total of 908 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army were reported till May 29 in the current year as against 860 incidents during 2017.

India's DGMO Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and Pakistan's Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza had reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, following which both sides agreed to fully implement the 15-year-old ceasefire understanding.