China vowed on Friday to continue its efforts to encourage Pakistan and India to realize peace through talks.
Vice-Premier Qian Qichen made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Pakistani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Inam-ul Haque.
While noting the recent easing of tension between the two nuclear-capable countries in South Asia, Qian said the threat of a fresh outbreak of fighting remained.
Qian told his Pakistani guest that China has been calling on the international community to treat the issue of Pakistan and India in a more balanced way.
Qian highlighted the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan and said enhanced good-neighbourly relations and closer cooperation between the two nations would help stabilize the situation in South Asia, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Recent efforts from both Pakistan and India have reduced the tension between the two countries, but sporadic conflicts take place across their border.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman quoted Haque as telling Qian that tension along Pakistan's border with India still exists.
Haque spoke highly of the just and fair stance of China on the issue, hoping the nation will continue to use its influence to urge the international community to make more efforts in easing tensions in the region.
Haque arrived in Beijing on Friday for a working visit. He is scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan on Saturday.
Haque, who was Pakistani ambassador to Beijing three years ago, was appointed to his current position last week. China is the first country he has visited since taking office.
(China Daily June 29, 2002)
