China backs probe into Kashmir attack

China welcomes all measures that help ease the latest tensions between Pakistan and India and supports a just investigation into the recent deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir as soon as possible, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

As a neighboring country of India and Pakistan, China hopes India and Pakistan will practice restraint and work together to address differences through dialogue and consultations and jointly maintain regional peace and stability, Guo said at a regular news conference.

Guo made the remarks after reports quoted Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif as saying Russia and China could participate in an international investigation into the attack.

The gun attack, which took place near Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, killed at least 26 people, according to reports.

At the news conference, Guo expressed China's strong condemnation of the attack and voiced China's sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.