China claims role in mediating India-Pakistan tensions; New Delhi rejects third-party intervention
New Delhi: China has claimed that it played a role in mediating tensions between India and Pakistan this year, a statement that New Delhi has firmly rejected, reiterating that the matter was resolved through direct talks between the two countries.
According to a report published by NDTV, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that “tensions between India and Pakistan” were among several global hotspot issues that China had “mediated” in 2025. He made the remarks while addressing a symposium on international affairs and China’s foreign relations in Beijing.
New Delhi has been maintaining that the May 7-10 conflict between India and Pakistan was resolved through direct talks between the DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the armies of the two countries, without any third-party involvement. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier clarified that the ceasefire understanding was finalised during a phone call between the DGMOs on May 10.
China's role in the May 7-10 Operation Sindoor conflict between India and Pakistan this year came under serious scrutiny and criticism, especially the military assistance provided by Beijing to Islamabad.
Addressing broader geopolitical developments, Wang Yi said China had adopted an “objective and just stance” in dealing with conflicts worldwide and listed regions where Beijing claimed to have played a mediating role. He also spoke of improving ties with India and referred to India’s participation in multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
India, however, has not responded to China’s mediation claim beyond reiterating its long-standing position that all issues with Pakistan are addressed bilaterally.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
