China calls on India, Pakistan to exercise restraint, properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation: FM spokesperson

China has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly uphold regional peace and stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, following reports that Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in another cross-border exchange of fire on Monday night.

Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir last week, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged cross-border fire again on Monday night. AFP reported, citing an Indian army statement, small arms fire occurred across the Line of Control during the night of Sunday and Monday.

Commenting on the latest development, Guo stated at a press conference that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia, and that their peaceful coexistence is crucial for regional peace, stability and development. 

"As a common neighbor to both nations, China urges the two sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," Guo said.

The terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir last week, which killed at least 26 tourists, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. 

After the attack, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, suspended a water-sharing treaty and announced the closure of its main land border crossing with Pakistan, AFP reported.

In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals and barred its airspace to Indian airplanes.

The UN has urged the two sides to show "maximum restraint" so that issues can be "resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement," according to AFP.