Pathankot attack may be aimed at disrupting India-Pakistan ties: China

BEIJING: Condemning the terror attack on the Pathankot air force base, China today said it may have been launched "intentionally" to disrupt the momentum in Indo-Pak ties, which have shown "signs of improvement".

"We condemn this attack...At this juncture this attack might have been launched intentionally to disrupt this momentum (in Indo-Pak ties). Many media reports have such doubts...," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here replying to a question on the attack.

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Noting that there were "signs of improvement" in India-Pakistan relations, which is welcomed by all sides, Hua also hoped that the two countries should continue the talks despite the attack.

"India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. The improvement of relations between the two countries is of paramount importance to regional peace and stability. China hopes that India and Pakistan can enhance their cooperation and dialogue regardless of these disruptions," she said.

"Some media reports commented that the meeting between Indian and Pakistan leaders was very successful," Hua said, apparently referring to meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

"We believe that India and Pakistan should work together to maintain positive momentum. We condemn all forms of terrorism and we believe all sides should enhance dialogue and cooperation to combat all forms of terrorism," she said.

Heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists on Saturday attempted to storm the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot. The attackers were believed to have infiltrated from Pakistan and there was speculation that they may belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad headed by Maulana Masood Azhar of the Kandahar hijack episode.