FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

Wang Yi Optimistic that India and Pakistan Can Avoid Confrontation

March 12, 2019 (EIRNS)—Speaking at a March 8 press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People’s Congress, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism that China had succeeded in helping to de-escalate the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. “China played a vital role in defusing the conflict between the two countries. Islamabad and New Delhi should meet each other to de-escalate the crisis,” Wang was quoted by various media today:

“China hopes Pakistan and India will replace confrontation with dialogue, settle a disagreement by goodwill and create a better future through cooperation. China also hopes Pakistan and India will transform the crisis into opportunity and meet each other halfway. We advise both parties to quickly turn this page and seek a fundamental long-term improvement in their relations.”

On China-India relations, Wang stressed that “Chinese dragons and Indian elephants won’t clash. Instead, they will dance with each other.”

Wang’s March 8 statement follows the visit by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Islamabad on March 6.