On May 7, 2025, China expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s military strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, named ‘Operation Sindoor,’ was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists.

In a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing regretted India’s military actions and called for restraint from both India and Pakistan. The statement emphasized China’s opposition to all forms of terrorism and urged both nations to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid actions that could further complicate the situation.

The Indian government justified the strikes as a necessary measure to dismantle terrorist infrastructure responsible for planning and executing attacks against India. The Ministry of Defence described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” targeting facilities linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. India asserted that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, aiming to avoid broader escalation.

In retaliation, Pakistan reported shooting down five Indian fighter jets and launched artillery strikes that resulted in civilian casualties on the Indian side of the Line of Control. The situation has led to heightened tensions, with both countries severing diplomatic ties and taking military precautions. The international community, including the United Nations and countries like the United States, has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.

China’s call for restraint reflects its broader interest in maintaining regional stability and preventing conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors. As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains vigilant, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a return to diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.