‘Firmly stand with Pakistan', says China as Islamabad breaks ceasefire with India

Even as Pakistan broke a ceasefire with India on Saturday (May 10), hours after both sides agreed on the same, its strategic partner China has asserted that Beijing will continue to stand firmly by Islamabad in upholding its “sovereignty, territorial integrity.”

According to PTI, the comments were made by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a telephonic conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as per a statement issued by Pakistan’s foreign office on Saturday.

Also read: 'What the hell happened?' Pak ceasefire violation leaves Jammu stunned

China reaffirms support for Pak

During the conversation, Dar briefed Wang Yi on the evolving regional situation.

Wang Yi acknowledged Pakistan’s “restraint and appreciated its responsible approach under challenging circumstances”.

“He reaffirmed that China, as Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and iron-clad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence,” the foreign office said.

Talks with UAE

Separately, Dar also spoke with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.

Dar also spoke with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, and apprised him of the current situation in the region.

Pakistan breaks ceasefire

China’s statement comes as Pakistan broke a ceasefire hours after an understanding was reached between New Delhi and Islamabad to stop military actions.

In a media briefing close to midnight, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called upon Pakistan to take "appropriate steps" to address these violations and deal with the situation with "seriousness and responsibility".

Watch: India, Pakistan reach ceasefire; what happens on May 12?

This came around five hours after the foreign secretary announced that India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect.

Ceasefire announcement

In a short announcement, Misri told the media at 6 pm that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries agreed on the understanding during a call this afternoon.

The decision by India and Pakistan on stopping military actions was first made public by US President Donald Trump in a social media post, while claiming that the talks between the two sides were mediated by America.

In the late night press conference, the foreign secretary said Pakistan violated the understanding and that the armed forces had been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repeti

(With inputs from agencies)