BEIJING – China on Friday welcomed Pakistan’s decision to release theIndian Air Force pilot and encouraged the two countries to engage in morecounter terrorism cooperation and dialogue for the regional peace andstability.
Pakistan is set to release captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot WingCommander Abhinandan Varthaman as a “first step” to open negotiations withIndia.
Pakistan detained the pilot following a fierce engagement between airforces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighterjet was downed.
Asked how China views Pakistan’s decision to release the pilot and whetherBeijing played any behind-the-scenes role in it, Foreign Ministry spokesmanLu Kang told reporters:
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“Well, from the start China has been calling upon the two sides exerciserestraint and take measures to ease tensions, engage in dialogue to resolvethe differences”.
