China deplores unilateral Indian move to strip Kashmir of special status

BEIJING: China on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over the current situation arising out of Indian decision to strip Kashmir of its special status.

“China is seriously concerned about the current situation in Jammu Kashmir. China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear and consistent. It is also an international consensus that the Kashmir issue is an issue left from the past between India and Pakistan. The relevant sides need to exercise restraint and act prudently,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement.

“In particular, they should refrain from taking actions that will unilaterally change the status quo and escalate tensions.”

China called on both India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve the relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation and safeguard peace and stability in the region.

To a question about making Ladakh a union territory the spokesperson said China is always opposed to India’s inclusion of the Chinese territory in the western sector of the China-India boundary into its administrative jurisdiction.

“This firm and consistent position remains unchanged. Recently India has continued to undermine China’s territorial sovereignty by unilaterally changing its domestic law. Such practice is unacceptable and will not come into force.”

“We urge India to exercise prudence in words and deeds concerning the boundary question, strictly abide by relevant agreements concluded between the two sides and avoid taking any move that may further complicate the boundary question.”