Beijing declined to confirm the comments attributed to its Consul General in Lahore. Reuters photo

China today contradicted Pakistani reports of its officials reportedly siding with Pakistan on Kashmir, maintaining there was no change in its position.

Pakistani media reports on Sunday quoted a press release from the Lahore office of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif stating that the Chinese Consul General Yu Boren had pledged China's support "in case of any foreign aggression". Yu was also quoted as saying China "will be siding with Pakistan on the kashmir issue" and there were "no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris", in language markedly different from the usual Chinese stand.

On Monday, Beijing declined to confirm the comments attributed to its Consul General in Lahore.

"I am not aware of the situation you mentioned," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

"China's position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear," he added. "As a neighbour and friend to both Pakistan and India, we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation, manage and control the situation, and jointly work for the peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region."

Reiterating China's stand that Kashmir was "an issue left over from history", he said China hoped "the relevant parties will peacefully and properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation".

CHINA SAYS IN TALKS WITH INDIA ON BORDER, LAC NOT DEMARCATED

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also played down reports of an incursion along the eastern sector of the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reports said PLA troops had entered into Indian territory on September 9, and a flag meeting was held later to resolve the issue.

Indian and Chinese officials have played down what they call "transgressions" on account of mutually overlapping claim lines of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which both sides are yet to clarify.

"China's position on the boundary question between India and China is consistent and clear," said Geng. "The boundary between the two sides yet to be demarcated. We are engaged in dialogue and consultation to properly address differences in this regard. The border troops of China always abide by agreements of the two sides and strictly follow the bilateral agreements concerning the LAC. We hope the Indian side will work together with us to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas and strive to resolve the boundary question at an early date."

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