Wang Yi speaks to India's Doval, urges 'calm and restraint' after days of fighting

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hope on Saturday that India and Pakistan will remain calm and restrained, properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation and avoid escalating the situation. He made the remarks during a phone call with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said China supports and expects India and Pakistan to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through consultation, which serves the fundamental interests of both countries and reflects the common aspiration of the international community. 

Wang also said that China condemns the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam area and opposes all forms of terrorism.

After four days of deadly fighting, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday. Top military officials from both sides also agreed to speak again around noon on Monday.

Noting that the world is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, Wang said peace and stability in Asia are hard-won and must be cherished. He emphasized that India and Pakistan are immovable neighbors, and both are also neighbors of China.

Doval said the attacks in the Pahalgam area caused serious casualties on the Indian side and noted that India must take counter-terrorism actions.

War is not the choice of the Indian side and is not in the interests of either side, he said, adding that both India and Pakistan will be committed to a ceasefire and look forward to restoring regional peace and stability as soon as possible.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Defense personnel patrol the Raisina Hills of South and North Blocks amid escalating tensions with Pakistan along the border areas, on May 10, 2025 in New Delhi, India. /VCG)