Distancing itself from the remarks of Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq that it has a stake in peace in Kashmir, China has said that the issue is between India and Pakistan and hoped that it will be resolved through dialogue.
"China's position is consistent. The Kashmir issue is leftover from history between India and Pakistan. We hope they resolve it properly through dialogue and consultation," foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said during a press conference here.
Qin was replying to a question on Farooq's statement last week, claiming China has a stake in peace in Kashmir and whether China stayed in communication with India and Pakistan.
Noting that China "has a direct link with Kashmir as certain parts of Kashmir, including Aksai Chin, are under its control," Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference, had said "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."
The separatist leader is also planning a visit to China soon. Asked about India test firing an Agni-2 medium-range missile earlier this week, Qin said "I will leave it to the Indians themselves. We hope countries can contribute to regional peace and stability."
On the Indian media reports that around 3,000 Chinese workers have been repatriated, the spokesperson said "I have not read relevant reports.
"It is always our belief that China and India should develop trade and economic ties and endeavour to boost cooperation in investment, including creating favourable conditions for labour cooperation, which serves the interest of both," he said.
According to some reports, around 3000 Chinese workers in the various power projects were being repatriated due to having business visa instead of employment visa.
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