Beijing’s China India Pakistan Mediation Remark Sparks Backlash
China sparked controversy after foreign minister Wang Yi claimed that Beijing mediated the India-Pakistan tensions in May. He made this statement during the “Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations” in Beijing. Indian officials immediately rejected the claim, calling it “bizarre.” People familiar with the situation said China had no role in ending the standoff. According to them, the ceasefire resulted solely from direct talks between Indian and Pakistani military officials.
Background of the May India-Pakistan Standoff
The crisis began on April 22 after a terror attack in Pahalgam valley, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The standoff escalated quickly, raising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. At the time, several reports suggested China provided Pakistan with surveillance inputs and logistical support. These reports fueled skepticism in New Delhi regarding China’s neutrality. Despite this, Wang Yi claimed that Beijing mediated the India-Pakistan tensions, along with other global conflicts like Myanmar, Palestine-Israel, and Cambodia-Thailand.
Indian Officials Reject China India Pakistan Mediation Narrative
Officials in New Delhi insist that only military-level discussions between India and Pakistan resolved the crisis. They argue that China’s deep defense partnership with Pakistan, which provides over 81% of Pakistan’s military hardware, makes Beijing’s claim questionable. Indian officials also noted that China may have used the standoff to showcase its weapons systems supplied to Pakistan. The attempt to project itself as a mediator mirrors earlier claims by Donald Trump, who also suggested the US could mediate India-Pakistan issues—remarks India had rejected.
India’s Firm Stand Against Third-Party Intervention
People familiar with the developments say China’s statement seems aimed at boosting its global diplomatic profile. Indian officials emphasize that New Delhi does not accept third-party mediation in disputes with Pakistan. “The claim by the Chinese side is bizarre,” one official said. Another added that China appears to be “following the US playbook.” Both stressed that India resolved the May standoff directly with Pakistan. Officials insist that India’s position on external mediation remains firm and consistent, emphasizing bilateral dialogue over outside involvement.
