China vows to help Pakistan in case of ‘aggression’

China assured Pakistan of its support in the event of any foreign “aggression”, and also supported Islamabad’s stance on the Kashmir dispute, a media report said.

Beijing conveyed the message during a meeting between Chinese consul general Yu Boren and Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minister of Punjab province, Dawn reported.

“In case of any (foreign) aggression our country will extend its full support to Pakistan,” Mr Yu said in a press release by the Punjab chief minister’s office. “We are, and will be, siding with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in (India)-held Kashmir, and the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiris,” the report quoted Mr Yu as saying.

Mr Yu had called on Mr Sharif on Friday to greet him on his 65th birthday.