China said on Thursday it would like to play a constructive role in cooling down the tension between Pakistan and Iran.

The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Pakistan used killer drones and rockets to strike separatist Baloch militants inside Iran on Thursday, in a retaliatory strike two days after Tehran said it attacked the bases of another group within Pakistani territory, according to media reports.

China is following closely the developments of the situation, Mao said.

"China always stands that relations between countries should be handled in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law and that countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected and safeguarded," she added.

Noting Iran and Pakistan are close neighbors and countries who have influence and keep friendly relations with China, the spokesperson said that China sincerely hopes that the two sides will remain calm. show restraint and avoid escalating the tension.

(Cover: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China, January 18, 2024. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)