Wang Yi discusses Kashmir with Pakistan foreign minister

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Beijing on Aug 9.

Qureshi, who arrived on an emergency visit, discussed India's revocation of the special status of Indian-controlled Kashmir and briefed him about Pakistan's view, position and countermeasures on the issue.

Wang said China was seriously concerned about the latest escalation of tensions in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"The India-controlled Kashmir issue is a legacy left from the colonial era," Wang said.

"It should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement," Wang said.

"China believes that unilateral actions that will complicate the situation should not be taken," he added.

Wang Yi said that as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, China and Pakistan have understood and supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.

Moreover, this is a good tradition that should be cherished by the two sides. China will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and uphold justice for Pakistan on the international arena, Wang said.

"Pakistan and India are both China's friendly neighbors and major developing countries that are in a crucial stage of development," he said.

"We call on the two sides to proceed from their national development and peace in South Asia, properly resolve historical grievances, get rid of the zero-sum mindset, avoid unilateral action and seek a new path to peaceful coexistence," Wang said.

Qureshi said China is Pakistan's friend and that friendship is rock solid. He said Pakistan believes China will stand up for justice on the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan will continue to resolutely support China's just position on issues concerning China's core interests, he said.

"The Pakistani side will continue to advance China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership," Qureshi said.

Bilal Sabri is a journalist of Pakistan Today and Diplomag.