NEW DELHI: China on Wednesday called for
restraint
from
Pakistan
and
Iran
following Iran's missile and drone attacks on terrorist bases in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and announced that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan who is visiting the country will not be allowed to return. The Pakistan foreign ministry has suspended all ongoing and planned high-level visits between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.
Iran said the targeted bases belonged to the Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl (JAI).
Jaish al-Adl, or the "Army of Justice", is a Sunni militant group founded in 2012 that largely operates in Pakistan. Jaish al-Adl is the "most active and influential" Sunni militant group operating in Sistan-Baluchestan, according to the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence.
China urged both countries to avoid any action that would lead to escalate
tensions
and maintain peace in the region.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries.
“Iran and Pakistan are close neighbours and major Islamic countries. We call on the two sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate the tension and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable," she said.
(With agency inputs)
English (US) ·