Islamabad: As hostilities between India and Pakistan reached alarming levels in recent days, China has called on both countries to exercise restraint and re-engage in political dialogue, offering to play a “constructive role” in restoring regional stability.
The statement from Beijing came just before former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced that the two South Asian nuclear powers had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire”, following a night of U.S.-mediated negotiations.
“We are deeply concerned about the current escalation and strongly urge both parties to prioritize peace and stability in the region,” said a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Restraint and calm are urgently needed. We encourage both sides to return to dialogue and resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means.”
China also emphasized its close monitoring of the unfolding crisis and reiterated its readiness to assist in lowering tensions, describing its stance as reflective of the broader international community’s hopes for peace.
Escalation Timeline: From Pahalgam Attack to Full-Scale Strikes
Tensions surged following the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where an attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
India accused Pakistan-linked elements of orchestrating the assault, though no public evidence was provided. Pakistan categorically denied the allegations.
In retaliation, India shut the Wagah border, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and suspended its commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty—a move Islamabad described as tantamount to an “act of war”.
Pakistan responded by closing the border from its side as well.
Matters worsened on May 6 and 7, when Indian air forces conducted strikes inside Pakistani territory, reportedly hitting areas including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur.
Pakistan retaliated with a combination of aerial strikes and ground-based operations, claiming the downing of five Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft.
Additionally, the Pakistan military reported intercepting and neutralizing 77 Israeli-made Harop drones allegedly deployed by India in a mass drone campaign.
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The drones were brought down using a combination of electronic warfare systems and conventional air defences, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos and Missile Launches
In response to the escalating aggression, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, launching its Al-Fatah missile in a symbolic gesture honoring Pakistani children killed in earlier Indian airstrikes.
Officials emphasized that the operation specifically targeted Indian sites identified as launch points for attacks on civilians and religious institutions.
Despite the intense military exchanges, officials on both sides hinted at conditional readiness to de-escalate. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said Islamabad would reconsider further military actions if India halted its offensive.
Meanwhile, Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that India would support de-escalation only if Pakistan did the same.
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Her remarks came during a joint press conference with Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, where it was acknowledged that five Indian airbases—Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj, and Bathinda—had sustained damage and personnel injuries in Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes.
Nuclear Oversight Body Not Convened
Amid rising concerns about the possibility of nuclear escalation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that no meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA)—the civilian-military body overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear weapons—has been held or planned, emphasizing that the nuclear option is “not on the table” at this time.
