Kashmir separatists: China has stake in South Asia peace

China has a stake in peace prevailing in South Asia, and Kashmir in particular, as part of the disputed region is under Beijing's control, Kashmir's main separatist alliance said.

The mention of China's role in resolving the dispute and its control over a part of the Himalayan region — the first by separatist leaders since a revolt against New Delhi broke out in 1989 — could hurt chances of resuming peace talks with the government.

India rules 45% of Kashmir, and the bulk of its more-than-11-million population. Pakistan has about 35% of the territory and China controls the rest.

"It (China) has a direct link with Kashmir as certain parts of Kashmir, including Aksai Chin, are under its control," Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference, told thousands of Muslim worshippers late on Friday.

"I believe that China is not a party to the Kashmir conflict, but it has stakes as far as peace in the region is concerned."

Farooq, also the chief priest of Kashmir, said he is planning to visit China soon.

"Hurriyat welcomes the approach adopted by China and America jointly in terms of addressing the issue of Kashmir in South Asia," he said.

He was referring to a joint statement issued by the United States and China after president Barack Obama met his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, which included a line of support for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations.

New Delhi said in response it does not need any external help to improve ties with neighbour Pakistan.