As India's Operation Sindoor sends shockwaves across Pakistan by targeting major terrorist hideouts, China has now reacted, expressing concern and disapproval over India's airstrikes.
In its first official statement on the escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory strike, China stated, "We regret the current situation and urge both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint." Beijing emphasized that both nations are long-time neighbors and should avoid actions that could heighten tensions.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We oppose all forms of terrorism, but at the same time, we call on both sides to resolve their disputes through dialogue and avoid taking steps that may worsen the situation." The statement reflects China's traditionally cautious approach when dealing with its two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Turkey Also Backs Pakistan
Alongside China, Turkey has also expressed support for Pakistan. According to a statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish Foreign Minister contacted his Pakistani counterpart, expressing solidarity and condemning what Turkey described as “a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the killing of civilians.”
India, however, maintains that Operation Sindoor was a targeted strike against terrorist infrastructure responsible for the killing of 26 people in the 22 April Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has emphasized that no civilian casualties occurred and the operation was conducted with precision to neutralize only terror elements.
India’s Airstrikes: The Key Targets
The Indian Air Force’s strikes targeted nine critical terrorist facilities across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Punjab. The list of destroyed hideouts includes:
- Markaz Subhanallah – Bahawalpur
- Markaz Taiba – Muridke
- Sarjal / Tehra Kalan
- Mehmoona Zoya Facility – Sialkot
- Markaz Ahle Hadith – Bhimber
- Markaz Abbas – Kotli
- Markaz Raheel Shahid
- Shawai Nala Kaim
- Markaz Syedna Bilal – Muzaffarabad
Strategic Messaging
India has yet to respond to China’s or Turkey’s statements, but diplomatic sources indicate New Delhi is firm in its stance: terrorism emanating from across the border will not go unanswered. Operation Sindoor is being projected not only as a military success but also as a strong message to the international community—India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism.
