(Representational image) China opposes purported India plan to host certain G20 events in J&K (Photo: REUTERS)

China has opposed India’s reported plan of hosting certain G20 events at locations in Jammu & Kashmir, stating that relevant sides should not “politicise the issue”. Beijing’s position is in line with Pakistan’s as Islamabad has been trying to drum up support in sympathetic capitals against India’s plan. Pakistan has reached out to close allies in the G20.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian while responding to a question from state media on Thursday said, “We have noted relevant information.” “China’s position on Kashmir is consistent and clear cut. It is a legacy issue between India and Pakistan. It should be properly resolved in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements,” Zhao said.

He further said “relevant parties should avoid complicating the situation with the unilateral move. We need to address the disputes through dialogue and consultation and jointly uphold peace and stability. ”India is set to convene the first G20 leaders’ summit in 2023 after it assumes presidency in December this year. Union Minister Piyush Goyal was appointed as India’s Sherpa for G20 in September 2021.

G20 is the grouping of 20 biggest world economies; which include Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Pakistan said it will boycott any such move, reacting to reports in Indian media which claimed that India is planning to host certain events in J&K. Reports said Islamabad plans to reach out to G20 members Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China to boycott the move. It is to be noted that there has been no official announcement from any ministry or agency in India regarding the planned locations of the G20 events in India.