Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said Tuesday that China was very concerned about the deteriorating situation between India and Pakistan.

Kong made the remark when asked to comment on the worsening relations between the two countries, whose troops have been exchanging fire on the border.

Kong said as a neighbor of both countries, China seriously hoped India and Pakistan would exercise restraint and find a peaceful settlement through consultation and dialogue, attaching most importance to peace and stability in the South Asia region.

Such a move conformed to the fundamental interests of the Indian and Pakistani people, and also served the common interests of all countries in the South Asia region, said the spokesman.

( May 22, 2002)