China’s Double Game: How Beijing Is Undermining India After the Pahalgam Attack
Following the April 22, 2025 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiankun condemned terrorism in all forms. However, this condemnation rang hollow in light of China’s familiar pattern of diplomatic posturing that implicitly aligns with Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir and terrorism.
A Carefully Worded Denial: “Unknown Local Gunmen”
China’s state-owned media, Xinhua and CCTV, steered clear of acknowledging the attack as terrorism. Instead, they described the incident as being perpetrated by unknown local gunmen. The terminology used—“India-controlled” or “India-administered” Kashmir—mirrors Pakistan’s claim of illegitimate Indian authority, albeit with more diplomatic phrasing.
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This carefully curated language sidesteps India’s concerns about cross-border terrorism and subtly delegitimizes Indian claims of Pakistani involvement. The Global Times even highlighted The Resistance Front’s (TRF) retraction of its earlier claim of responsibility, citing a “cyber intrusion.” The Chinese media used this to urge India to “avoid premature conclusions”—a line that undermines India’s case and decades of evidence pointing to state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
The “Peaceful Resolution” Rhetoric: Noble or Strategic?
China’s second major talking point is a call for peace and bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated this sentiment during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart on April 27, echoed again by Guo Jiankun on April 28, emphasizing restraint and consultation.
While seemingly well-intentioned, this narrative often disguises a strategic calculation. Chinese scholars like Wang Shida argue that escalation would hinder both nations’ development goals—an indirect suggestion that India has more to lose. Moreover, Chinese media has implied that India lacks the capability to win a full-scale conflict with Pakistan, especially one involving Kashmir.
Backing Pakistan’s Stance: China’s Subtle Provocations
Commentators like Gu Huoping (a pseudonymous military analyst) in platforms like NetEase, claim Pakistan is justified in standing firm against India’s aggressive policies. These narratives often recall India’s past military setbacks, including the 1962 Sino-Indian war, to argue that New Delhi should avoid any escalation.
Such pieces serve a dual purpose: propping up Pakistan’s image and projecting Chinese military prowess through its support for Islamabad.
China’s Mediation Offer: Peace Broker or Power Play?
Beijing’s third narrative layer comes from its self-proclaimed role as a neutral mediator. Guo Jiankun’s offer to support a “fair and swift investigation” came in response to a question from RIA Novosti, based on Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s call for international mediation involving China, Russia, or Western powers.
Notably, Chinese coverage largely ignored the call for broader international involvement, highlighting only its own role. The Chinese transcript of Wang Yi’s call with Dar also stressed Pakistan’s “sovereignty” and “legitimate security concerns”, subtly endorsing Islamabad’s attempt to internationalize the Kashmir issue—something New Delhi firmly opposes.
Echoes of Pulwama: China’s Consistent Deflection Tactics
China’s current stance mirrors its response to the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, when the Foreign Ministry similarly refused to acknowledge Pakistani involvement and asked for more evidence before accepting India’s claims against Jaish-e-Mohammed.
This rhetorical consistency reveals a pattern: downplay terrorism, delay condemnation, and divert responsibility—especially when Pakistan is in the spotlight.
Targeting India’s Countermeasures: The Morality Narrative
Beijing has also criticized India’s punitive actions against Pakistan, portraying them as immoral or disproportionate. Commentators like Gu Huoping glorified Pakistan’s retaliation—airspace closures, trade halts, and diplomatic snubs—as bold and justified.
Chinese media platforms like Sohu and Guancha have even suggested that India is responsible for flooding in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by mismanaging river flows—ignoring seasonal glacier melt and forecasts by Pakistan’s own meteorological agencies.
Why the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Matters
One reason behind China’s consistent de-legitimization of India’s countermeasures lies in its strategic interests—particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Analysts like Liu Zongyi have pointed out that instability in the region threatens not only Pakistan’s security but also Chinese investments and infrastructure.
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China’s concern is not just regional peace but economic continuity. Thus, any Indian response that might destabilize Pakistan is seen as a threat to Beijing’s geoeconomic agenda.
India Must Challenge the Narrative
At a time of heightened tensions and deepening divides, China’s subtle support for Pakistan—through media narratives, diplomatic wordplay, and strategic commentary—needs to be critically assessed. While Beijing poses as a peacebroker, its actions often undermine Indian sovereignty and security interests.
India must focus not only on countering terrorism on the ground but also on debunking the global narratives that seek to distort the realities of cross-border terrorism and regional geopolitics.
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