Another setback for Pakistan, China advises to resolve Kashmir issue through talks with India

In yet another jolt to Pakistan, China has dismissed the calls by the Organisa­tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to implement the UN resolution on Kashmir and asked Islamabad to resolve the dispute with India through bilateral talks.

When asked about China’s stand on the OIC calling for the implementation of the UN resolution on Kashmir, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the issue of Kashmir should be resolved between India and Pakistan.

"China has noted the relevant report. China's position on the Kashmir issue is clear-cut," Lu said.

Lu said Kashmir is an issue left from history and both India and Pakistan should handle it properly to safeguard regional peace and stability.

"The Kashmir issue is left over from history. China hopes India and Pakistan can increase dialogue and communication and properly handle relevant issues and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," he said.

The 57-member OIC, of which Pakistan is a member, routinely passes a resolution on Kashmir calling for the implementation of the UN resolution.

The contact group of the OIC met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly two days ago.

China's reaction came hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi urged the United Nations to appoint a special envoy to Kashmir and implement the UN Security Council resolution.

This was the second major setback for Pakistan in less than a month when "close friend" China went against the nation on the international level. 

Earlier in the month, Pakistan-based terror groups, LeT and the JeM were mentioned in the Summit declaration of the BRICS countries of which China is also a member.

The outcome document of BRICS Xiamen summit also asserted that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorism must be held accountable.