China vows to stand 'firmly' by Pakistan: 'All-weather strategic partner and iron-clad friend'

Chinese President Xi Jinping

China has assured continued support to Pakistan in safeguarding its “sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence”.
Cinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday said this during a telephonic conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.

“He reaffirmed that China, as Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner and iron-clad friend, will continue to stand firmly by Pakistan in upholding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence,” the Foreign Office said.

During the conversation, Dar briefed Wang Yi on the evolving regional situation.

Wang Yi acknowledged Pakistan’s “restraint and appreciated its responsible approach under challenging circumstances”.
Separately, Dar also spoke with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.

Dar also spoke with Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fidan and apprised him of the current situation in the region.

India and Pakistan have agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, claiming that it was a result of the US-mediated talks.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio termed it a US-brokered ceasefire while commending Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif on “their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace”.

The ceasefire came hours after India and Pakistan attacked each other’s military facilities, dangerously escalating the ongoing conflict.