Based on my research, I’m now ready to write a comprehensive blog on China’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, considering the current geopolitical situation.
# China’s Condemnation of the Pahalgam Attack: Diplomatic Balancing in South Asian Crisis
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the international community, including China, which condemned the incident while carefully navigating its complex relationships in South Asia. As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following the deadliest terrorist attack in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, China’s response reveals its strategic priorities and diplomatic calculations in the evolving crisis.
## The Pahalgam Attack: What Happened
On April 22, 2025, Pahalgam witnessed a horrific terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured dozens more. The Resistance Front (TRF), widely believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organization, initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later denied involvement. India has explicitly blamed Pakistan for enabling cross-border terrorism and has taken strong measures in response, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and sealing the Attari land border crossing.
## China’s Official Condemnation
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun issued a statement saying, “China has taken note of relevant reports and strongly condemns this attack. We resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism, extend our condolences to the victims, and express sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured.” [Global Times](https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332699.shtml)
This initial response aligned with the international community’s widespread condemnation of the attack, with over 60 countries and international organizations expressing outrage at the targeting of civilians.
## Diplomatic Nuance in China’s Position
However, China’s response has been more nuanced than many other nations. While countries like the United States, Russia, France, Israel, and Japan offered unqualified support to India in its fight against terrorism, China’s statements have been more calibrated, reflecting its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Days after the attack, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressing support for what he called Pakistan’s “resolute” action on terrorism. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated: “As Pakistan’s ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests.” [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-calls-for-swift-and-fair-investigation-into-pahalgam-terror-attack/article69499929.ece)
## The United Nations Security Council Dynamics
One of the most revealing aspects of China’s position has been its role in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Reports suggest that China helped Pakistan dilute the UNSC statement on the Pahalgam attack. Unlike previous UNSC statements after terrorist attacks, such as the 2019 Pulwama bombing, the statement on Pahalgam omitted references to specific terrorist organizations or cross-border linkages.
The UNSC statement issued in February 2019 after the Pulwama attack had stronger wording, explicitly naming the Jaish-e-Mohammad and calling on countries to “cooperate actively with the Government of India.” In contrast, the Pahalgam statement was notably more restrained, avoiding direct support for India’s investigation, reportedly due to objections from Pakistan backed by China.
## China’s Call for “Impartial Investigation” and Restraint
In response to Pakistan’s call for an international investigation into the attack, Chinese Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China “welcomes all measures that will help cool down the current situation.” He added, “As the neighbour of the two countries, China calls on the two sides to exercise restraint, solve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable.”
This position reflects China’s broader interest in regional stability while carefully avoiding direct criticism of Pakistan. When addressing Pakistan’s interest in involving Russia and China in the investigation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “China hopes that India and Pakistan will exercise restraint, work in the same direction, handle relevant differences properly through dialogue and consultation, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the region.”
## The Strategic Calculus Behind China’s Response
China’s measured response to the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath reveals several strategic considerations:
1. **Balancing Regional Relationships**: While China maintains its “all-weather friendship” with Pakistan, it has also been working to stabilize relations with India after the 2020 Ladakh clash. Beijing recognizes India’s growing importance in its regional strategy.
2. **Internal Priorities**: Chinese President Xi Jinping faces significant domestic challenges, including ongoing military purges, economic slowdown due to trade tensions with the US, and preparations for the 2027 party congress. These internal pressures make Beijing wary of fueling regional instability.
3. **Economic Considerations**: China’s economy is under pressure from trade wars and slowing growth. Regional stability in South Asia serves China’s economic interests, particularly as it struggles with the underperforming China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
4. **Strategic Focus on Taiwan**: Beijing’s primary strategic focus remains Taiwan and the South China Sea, with South Asia considered a secondary priority despite its significance.
## Limits of the China-Pakistan Relationship
Historically, Pakistan has often overestimated China’s willingness to provide unconditional support during conflicts with India. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, Pakistan waited in vain for Chinese military intervention that never materialized.
The pattern appears to be repeating itself. While China offers diplomatic cover, economic leverage, and strategic coordination to Pakistan, it has shown reluctance to commit to kinetic intervention. As noted by regional analysts, Pakistan’s strategic value to China has diminished in recent years:
1. China has established direct relationships with the Taliban in Afghanistan, reducing its reliance on Pakistan as an intermediary.
2. The CPEC, once considered the crown jewel of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is increasingly viewed within Chinese policy circles as an expensive liability.
3. The growing instability within Pakistan and its military’s entanglement with extremist elements raises concerns for Beijing, particularly regarding potential spillover effects in China’s Xinjiang region.
## The Current Situation and Outlook
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, with sporadic gunfire exchanged along the Line of Control, China appears to be prioritizing diplomatic stability over unconditional support for Pakistan. The military imbalance between India and Pakistan is significant, with India’s conventional forces and defense budget far outstripping Pakistan’s capabilities.
China’s response suggests it will continue verbal support for Pakistan while quietly urging restraint. For President Xi Jinping, stabilizing ties with India and focusing on internal consolidation may currently take precedence over the historically touted “iron brotherhood” with Pakistan.
## Conclusion
China’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, while seemingly straightforward on the surface, reveals the complex diplomatic balancing act Beijing must perform in South Asia. As India considers its options for responding to the attack, China’s stance indicates its preference for de-escalation and dialogue, driven by its own strategic imperatives rather than unconditional support for Pakistan.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether China’s diplomatic efforts contribute to de-escalation or whether the situation continues to deteriorate, potentially testing the limits of China’s “all-weather friendship” with Pakistan and its improving relations with India. In this high-stakes diplomatic environment, China’s response to the Pahalgam attack demonstrates that even the strongest of strategic partnerships have their practical limitations when confronted with complex regional crises.
