Kashmir issue: China vows to continue backing Pak

Asking the international community to show a 'better understanding' of Pakistan's position on ''Indian-Occupied Kashmir'', Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang reiterated support for Pakistan in the standoff with India and said in unequivocal terms that China supports Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.

Li's remarks are being viewed as a major diplomatic success for Pakistan in wake of Indian diplomatic efforts and threats to isolate Pakistan among the comity of the nations.

 ''We support Pakistan and we will speak for Pakistan on every forum. We attach great importance to Pakistan's position on Kashmir,'' the Chinese premier said during his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, according to an official handout issued by the Prime Minister House.

Expressing hope that tension between the neighbours does not escalate, the Chinese premier also offered to mediate between India and Pakistan in order to improve their bilateral ties.

''Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. We hope that the situation between India and Pakistan will not escalate. We also hope that there will be a better understanding of the Pakistani position on Kashmir by the international community,'' the Chinese prime minister said.

''We are ready to play a constructive role in the improvement of relations between Pakistan and India,'' he said and added that China would keep raising its voice in support of Pakistan on all international forums.

He said that Pakistan and China have an inseparable bond.

''We always give utmost importance to Pakistan's stance on Kashmir. We hope that the world community shows a better understanding of the Kashmir dispute,'' the Chinese premier said, adding that China would also expand its cooperation for better health, education and clean drinking water facilities for the people of Pakistan.

Premier Li also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for ''investing huge resources'' for the safety and security of Chinese personnel in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcomed Li's statement as well the support for Pakistan expressed by China on the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

''Relations between Pakistan and China have entered the next phase and we are now cooperating on political as well as the economic front. This is great news,'' the PM said.

''Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in the region. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,'' the PM said, adding that Pakistan was successfully carrying out Operation Zarb e Azab against terrorism.

''We have dismantled the network of terrorists from Pakistan and establishing peaceful relations with our neighbours is our vision,'' the PM said.