China denies shift in J&K stand

Says has no plans for mediating between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir problem

Reacting to a report in the Chinese state-run media, India on Wednesday “advised” the Chinese media to “understand” the Chinese position on the J&K issue which is that it has to be addressed bilaterally between India and Pakistan. News agency reports from Beijing had quoted an article in the

Global Times which said China now has a “vested interest” in mediating between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue because of its nearly $50 billion investment in the ChinaPakistan Economic Cor ridor that passes through PoK.

Meanwhile, China on Wednesday denied that it has plans of mediating between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue due to its investments in the ChinaPakistan Economic Cor ridor, saying the `50 billion project has not affected its stand that the vexed issue should be settled bilaterally.

“China’s position on the issue of Kashmir is clear and consistent. It is an issue left over from history between India and Pakistan, and shall be properly addressed by India and Pakistan through consultation and negotiation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

He also said that China will play a “constructive role” for the improvement of relations between India and Pakistan. “The building of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) does not affect China’s position on this issue,” he said in a written response to a question about the article in the state-run Global Times.

“We sincerely hope that India and Pakistan through proper channel will properly handle differences by increasing communication and dialogue, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability. China is willing to make constructive efforts for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations,” Geng said.

The article on Tuesday sparked concerns about a shift in China’s stand on the Kashmir issue as India is averse to any thirdparty mediation.