Shuang said, "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent and clear. We call on India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations. It serves the common interests of both India and Pakistan and represents the shared expectation of regional countries and the international community."
The remarks come days ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping visit to India for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It may be noted that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is in Beijing for his three-day visit. He is expected to raise the issue of Kashmir with the Chinese leadership.
The recent remarks appear to be the most conciliatory one that has appeared from China in the last two months since India had abrogated Article 370 on August 05, which gave special status to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
India's historic step did not go well with China and Pakistan. China raised concern over the matter and released a statement calling the abrogation of the special status a "unilateral step" by India. Moreover, China, on the behest of it all weather-ally Pakistan, also called for a closed-door meeting in the United Nations. However, India has made it clear that the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir will have no impact on China.