China calls on India and Pakistan to return to the path of peaceful resolution of the conflict and not allow the situation to escalate; Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in this, according to a statement by a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Interfax reports.
"We urge both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, maintain calm and restraint, return to the path of peaceful political settlement and avoid actions that will further escalate tensions," the Foreign Ministry said.
According to the Chinese side, "this meets the fundamental interests of India and Pakistan, contributes to regional peace and stability, and is also the common expectation of the international community."
"China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard," the statement said.
Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened since a group of militants opened fire on people at a tourist site in northern India on April 22, killing 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack.
On Wednesday night, the Indian military carried out airstrikes on infrastructure located in Pakistan and on areas of Kashmir controlled by Islamabad. The Pakistani armed forces carried out retaliatory strikes.