India is resolutely opposed to any actions by other countries to change the status quo in PoK, says MEA spokesperson

India on Tuesday rejected the reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the latest China-Pakistan joint statement and called on both countries to stop activities related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“We reject the reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement issued by China and Pakistan after the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister. J&K is an integral part of India. India has consistently expressed concerns to both China and Pakistan on the projects in so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is on the territory of India that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan over the weekend and discussed regional issues. During the discussion, China reiterated its support to Pakistan to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The visit was part of continued consultation between Beijing and Islamabad after India ended special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5.

"India is resolutely opposed to any actions by other countries to change the status quo in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. We call on the parties concerned to cease such actions," said the spokesperson.