Under pressure from India, Pakistan has included China in the Kashmir dispute, which has increased the complexity of the dispute. The Pakistani official's statement for the first time clarified China's role. This step is being considered as an attempt to secure military help and economic investment from China for Pakistan.
India-Pakistan conflict: With ongoing pressure from India on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan has involved China in the Kashmir conflict. Pakistan claims that China, along with India and Pakistan, is a stakeholder in the Kashmir dispute. This marks the first occasion Pakistan has openly acknowledged China's involvement in the matter.
In a media interview, Pakistan's Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that the Kashmir issue is not solely a matter between India and Pakistan, but also includes China. This remark has led to inquiries regarding Pakistan's motives for making such a statement.
India's stern warning on PoK
Following the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has intensified its stance against Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly stated that the focus will now be solely on discussing PoK. Both India's Defense Minister and Foreign Minister have unequivocally urged Pakistan to withdraw from PoK. This marks the first occasion where India has exerted such clear pressure on Pakistan.
Why did Pakistan join China?
Following this remark regarding Pakistan's PoK, inquiries are emerging about why Pakistan involved China in this matter after 73 years of it being solely between India and Pakistan. There are two primary reasons for this:
1. Military help from China
Pakistan is receiving substantial military assistance from China, with 81% of its weaponry purchased from China in recent years. Additionally, China's air defense system is stationed in Pakistan. Under these circumstances, Pakistan is attempting to bolster its position by involving China in the Kashmir conflict.
2. China's Economic Investment
China has poured approximately $300 million into PoK. Should India undertake military action in this region, it would directly affect China's investment. Consequently, Pakistan has involved China in this conflict, hoping for Chinese intervention.