India and Pakistan should solve the Kashmir dispute between themselves, China said on Tuesday, after Kashmir's main separatist alliance said Beijing had a role to play in the long-running territorial feud.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, said last week that China has a stake in peace in South Asia, and Kashmir in particular, because part of the disputed region is under Beijing's control.
"I believe that China is not a party to the Kashmir conflict, but it has stakes as far as peace in the region is concerned," said Farooq, who also said he planned to visit China soon.
The Conference brings together organisations opposed to Indian control of parts of Kashmir, which is claimed in full by Pakistan.
Asked about Farooq's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang gave no suggestion that his government wants to take up the call to become involved, a step that would certainly anger India.
"Our stance on the Kashmir issue has been consistent, that this is an issue between India and Pakistan left over by history," Qin told a regular news conference.
"We hope that India and Pakistan bilaterally can appropriately resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and consultation."
Qin's comments were in line with China's past statements on Kashmir, and they suggested Farooq's comments would not open the way to deeper involvement by Beijing.
India is generally wary of China, which has long been a close backer of Pakistan, and Farooq's comments could stir worry in Delhi that Beijing is seeking a bigger role in the Kashmir dispute.
India rules 45% of Kashmir and the bulk of its more than 11 million population. Pakistan has about 35% of the territory and China controls the rest.
Mistrust between India and China has grown this year over the disputed Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh, especially with the visit of the exiled Dalai Lama. The two countries fought a brief but bloody war in 1962.
