China-Pak axis not happy with Indian Supreme Court upholding abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir

China, a close ally of Pakistan, does not seem happy with the Supreme Court of India’s verdict on upholding the Indian government’s decision of abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting to the court’s judgement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “This is a dispute left from the past between India and Pakistan and it should be properly addressed through peaceful means, according to the UN charter, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and relevant bilateral agreements.”

She further said relevant parties need to settle the dispute through dialogue and consultations and safeguard peace and stability in the region.

India’s apex court, on Monday, unanimously upheld the central government’s decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 bestowing special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The court also directed restoration of statehood “at the earliest” as well as holding elections to the assembly by 30 September, 2024.

“On the Kashmir issue, China’s position is consistent and clear,” Ning said, replying to a question by a Pakistani journalist seeking China’s reaction on the issue.

Pakistan too has reacted to verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, saying India’s Supreme Court has “no legal value”.

Islamabad also asserted that the international law does not recognise New Delhi’s “unilateral and illegal actions” of 5 August, 2019.