Ahead Of India Visit, Xi Jinping Says 'He's Watching Kashmir, Will Back Pak On Core Interests'

The Chinese premier also reportedly assured Imran Khan that the relation between China and its all-weather friend Pakistan is "unbreakable and rock-solid" despite changes in the international and regional situation.

FILE PIC/AFP

Beijing: Ahead of his visit to India, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said he is watching the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and will support Pakistan in issues related to its core interests, the official Xinhua news agency reported. According to the report, Xi told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during a meeting in Beijing that the right and wrong of the situation was clear, adding, “both parties should resolve the dispute via peaceful dialogue”. The Chinese premier also reportedly assured Khan that the relation between China and its all-weather friend Pakistan is "unbreakable and rock-solid" despite changes in the international and regional situation. Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated since August when the Modi government scrapped the special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Xi‘s comments assume significance as he is scheduled to visit India this Friday. The Chinese President will arrive post noon on October 11 at Chennai, which is 50 km away from Mahabalipuram, for his engagement with Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites there and will proceed to attend a cultural programme presented by Kalakshetra. Reports say Prime Minister Modi taking President Xi Jinping around some of the major historical sites of the ancient port town built by the Pallava rulers. The two leaders will then hold the second round of discussions between their delegations on October 12, after which Xi will depart at 2 p.m., Sources have told news agency IANS. The second day of talks will be held at the Fisherman's Cove, run by the Taj group. Since the talks are informal, there will be no formal ceremony, or any signing of documents.