Pahalgam attack: China's open declaration - "Will support Pakistan at every step", what is the Dragon's move on India-Pakistan tension?
New Delhi/Beijing: Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their peak after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Meanwhile, China openly supported Pakistan and said, "We are with Pakistan at every step to protect its sovereignty and security interests." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made this statement on April 28 after talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. This statement has given a new dimension to India-Pakistan tension. Let us look at the facts of this incident and China's role. Background of Pahalgam attack
China’s statement and support
On April 28, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to Ishaq Dar over the phone. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi said, “China supports an impartial and prompt investigation into the Pahalgam attack. This escalation is neither in the interest of India nor Pakistan.” He added, “China fully supports Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security.”
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for China’s “continuous support”. Many users on X called it “China’s open support”. One user wrote, “It seems that China will also be happy only after destroying Pakistan.”
What is China’s strategy?
Experts believe that this statement of China is part of its South Asian strategy:
- Strengthening Pakistan: Pakistan is a strategic partner of China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other investments. According to Professor Srikanth Kondapalli, China indirectly supported Pakistan in the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, but in 2025 it may openly support it.
- Pressure on India: China wants to keep India entangled in Kashmir and border disputes so that India’s attention is diverted from territorial expansion. According to the BBC, China’s interest is in “strategically weakening” India.
- Excuse of fair investigation: India rejected China’s demand for “fair investigation”. “Pakistan’s policy of sponsoring terrorism is well known,” said foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.
Pakistan’s stance
Pakistan described China’s support as a symbol of “strong friendship.” “Tampering with water is akin to war,” said Ishaq Dar. He spoke to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and China to seek support. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that India “can attack at any time,” and that their army was on high alert.
India’s response
India strongly condemned China’s statement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “India will not compromise on its sovereignty.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given “full operational freedom” to the army. The Indian Navy began missile tests in the Arabian Sea and firing exercises off the Gujarat coast, which is being seen as a warning to Pakistan.
International response
Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan: These countries supported India.
Turkey and China: Both sided with Pakistan.
US: State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, “We are in touch with India and Pakistan.” However, President Trump’s statement, “India-Pak will sort it out themselves,” raised questions.
Social media buzz
China’s statement on X provoked sharp reactions. “China’s talk of an impartial investigation is ridiculous,” wrote one user. Others called it a “conspiracy to provoke Pakistan.”
What next?
Experts say China’s support may boost Pakistan’s morale, but it will refrain from overt military intervention. India’s tough diplomacy and military preparations, such as naval exercises, indicate it is ready to retaliate. If tensions escalate, regional stability could be at risk.
Conclusion
China’s “with Pakistan at every step” statement further complicates Indo-Pak tensions after the Pahalgam attack. The statement reflects China’s strategy, which is focused on weakening India and strengthening Pakistan. India's strong response and international support make it clear that it is ready to face any challenge. The next few days will decide whether this tension will turn into war, or diplomacy will prevail.
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