China asks India, Pakistan to exercise restraint at border

BEIJING: "Closely following" Indo-Pak border tensions, China today called on both countries to exercise restraint and "manage" their differences through dialogue.

"China is following the developing situation closely," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.

"As a neighbour and friend of India and Pakistan, China calls on the two countries exercise restraint, manage the situation through dialogue and consultation, properly deal with relevant differences and stay committed to peace and stability of South Asia," she said.

Hua's comments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions and cross-border firing between Indian and Pakistani troops along the LoC.

Asked whether China is disappointed over India not sending troops to take part in the September 3 parade being organised by China to mark victory against Japanese troops in WWII, Hua said, "Chinese side welcomes Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh's attendance" at the commemoration ceremony as a "special envoy of Indian government".

"We will receive him warmly," she said.

On India not sending troops to take part in the parade, she said, "we respect the choice made by each and every country whether or not to send troops."

Besides sending a contingent of troops to take part in the parade, Pakistan has deputed its President Mamnoon Hussain to attend the ceremony in which about 30 foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South Korean counterpart Park Geun-hye will take part.

Also Pakistan's Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Rashad Mehmood will lead a delegation to attend the parade as an observer group, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.