New Delhi: China has renewed claims that it played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during the military confrontation that took place from May 7 to May 10, a position firmly rejected by New Delhi. The assertion comes after similar remarks by United States President Donald Trump, with India maintaining that the ceasefire was reached without any third party involvement.
Speaking at a symposium on China’s foreign relations in Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi projected China as an active mediator in several global conflict zones. He stated that international instability had increased sharply and said China adopted a balanced approach focused on addressing both immediate tensions and their underlying causes. Among the conflicts cited, Wang Yi included the India Pakistan military standoff, claiming it was one of several hotspot issues where Beijing helped reduce tensions.
India has consistently rejected this narrative. New Delhi has clarified that the ceasefire understanding was achieved through direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations of the two countries. The agreement, including its timing and wording, was finalised during a phone conversation on May 10. India has reiterated that matters concerning India and Pakistan are bilateral and do not allow space for external mediation.
China’s role during the conflict has remained a subject of close scrutiny, particularly due to its close defence ties with Pakistan. During the escalation, Beijing issued statements calling for restraint while expressing regret over India’s military actions. At the same time, China avoided direct criticism of Pakistan while reiterating opposition to terrorism and urging de escalation.
Beyond diplomacy, China’s extensive military support to Pakistan drew attention. A significant majority of Pakistan’s defence equipment originates from China, and the conflict highlighted the depth of their strategic partnership. Indian military leadership later alleged that Beijing used the situation to indirectly test its military capabilities by supporting Pakistan, an assertion China declined to directly address.
Despite tensions, Wang Yi also spoke about improving momentum in India China relations, referring to high level diplomatic engagements and cooperation within multilateral platforms. He described regional diplomacy as entering a new phase focused on shared development and stability.
As competing narratives continue to emerge, India has remained unequivocal in its position that the May ceasefire resulted solely from direct military level engagement, rejecting any claims of external mediation in the process.
