New Delhi: As tensions prevail over the prospect of an Indian military retaliation against Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack, China on April 27 expressed its "support" for Pakistan’s "sovereignty" and "legitimate security concerns" during a phone call between Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Pakistani foreign minister M. Ishaq Dar, while urging both countries to "exercise restraint" amid the growing crisis.

On April 22, 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists at a scenic meadow in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack marked the deadliest assault on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Accusing Pakistan of complicity, India announced a series of retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling all Pakistani military attachés. A day later, Pakistan announced its own counter-measures, including an intention to withdraw from all bilateral agreements, such as the 1972 Simla Pact.

According to observers, the Indian government could be preparing for a military strike inside Pakistani territory, drawing on the precedent of the surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrikes.

In this context, the phone call between China foreign minister Wang Yi, who is member of the political bureau of the Chinese Communist Party's central committee, and his Pakistani counterpart, in which he expressed support for Pakistan, was notable.

“China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests,” the Chinese foreign ministry’s readout stated.

Stating that China was “closely following the developments”, Wang Yi reaffirmed China's endorsement of Pakistan’s assertions of taking action against terrorism.

The senior Chinese official also seemingly gave support to Pakistan’s proposal for an independent investigation. “China supports the early launch of a fair investigation,” said the statement.

Stating that the conflict is not in the interests of either India or Pakistan, nor the region, Wang Yi expressed hope that “both sides would exercise restraint, meet each other halfway, and work to de-escalate the situation.”

As per the readout, the Pakistani minister told Wang Yi that Pakistan was “opposed taking actions that may lead to escalation of the situation”.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had “strongly” condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.

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