Pakistan's Foreign Ministry: China has affirmed that it will continue to stand with Pakistan in preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry: China has affirmed that it will continue to stand with Pakistan in preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan has secured a significant financial boost from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the country unlocking a total of $2.4 billion in support. This includes $2 billion under an existing $7 billion assistance package and an additional $1.4 billion in an approved climate resilience loan [1]. The disbursement, finalized just days after a terror attack in Kashmir and amid rising military hostilities, has drawn sharp criticism from India, which warned of the funds being misused to fuel state-sponsored terrorism.

The IMF's decision, approved despite India's objections, has been described as a political win by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The immediate $1 billion disbursement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) was followed by an additional $1.4 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), which is tied to climate and disaster preparedness [1]. Indian officials expressed concern that even delayed funding could embolden Pakistan and send the wrong signal during active military conflict.

China, amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan, has reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan. Chinese officials, including Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and strategist Victor Gao, have underscored China's commitment to defending Pakistan's sovereignty [2]. This stance has been met with strong criticism from India, which views China's support as emboldening Pakistan to continue targeting Indian cities and military installations. The IMF's decision to approve the funds has been slammed as "terrible optics" by former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, who cited Western bias [1].

Despite the IMF's disbursement and China's support, India has received vocal backing from major global players. Russia and the United States have condemned the recent terror attack and pledged support for India's counter-terrorism efforts [2]. However, the delicate diplomatic dance in South Asia continues, with China urging restraint while issuing blunt warnings to regional powers [2].

The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have led to a ceasefire mediated by the United States, ending four days of hostilities. The ceasefire comes amidst a series of tit-for-tat attacks that have raised fears of an all-out war [3]. The governments of both nations have agreed to start negotiations at a neutral site, signaling a potential path towards de-escalation.

As Pakistan seeks allies and India pushes forward with its counterterror strategy, China's role as a regional player remains under sharp focus. The coming weeks are crucial for South Asia's future, with the region's stability dependent on the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts and the commitment of major global powers to maintaining peace.

References:
[1] https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/its-not-1-bn-pakistan-got-24-bn-from-imf-even-as-india-warned-of-terror-funding-risk-475674-2025-05-10
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/china-reiterates-its-unwavering-support-for-pakistan-amid-regional-tensions-with-india/articleshow/120900799.cms
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/india-pakistan-end-hostilities-us-140051284.html