China, Pakistan refer to Kashmir in joint statement, oppose ‘unilateral actions’

In an apparent reference to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government, China and Pakistan emphasised their opposition to “unilateral actions” and called for the resolution of all outstanding issues in the region.

In a joint statement issued during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the two nations reiterated their stance on the Kashmir issue, insisting it should be resolved in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements.

A China-Pakistan joint statement said: “The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action.”

Even as the Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chinese side reiterated that the J&K dispute “is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.”

However, the joint statement made no direct mention of the abrogation of Article 370 by India in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and split the state into two union territories.

Pakistan has consistently opposed India’s move, while China has objected to the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, arguing it undermines its territorial claims.

India has previously rejected such joint statements by China and Pakistan.

Earlier on June 7, China and Pakistan had opposed any “unilateral action” for the resolution of all outstanding issues in South Asia as the visiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the Chinese leadership on the situation in Kashmir and discussed close ties enjoyed by their militaries.

The Chinese side reiterated that the “Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements,” a joint statement said.

Reacting to the statements, India said it rejects “unwarranted references” to the Union Territory and asserted that its position on the issue is consistent and well known to the concerned parties.

(With Inputs from PTI)