### Pakistan Observes China-India Border Thaw with Mixed Emotions Amid Kashmir Stalemate

Pakistan is reacting with a blend of relief and apprehension as China, its close ally, and India, its rival, work towards de-escalating their prolonged stand-off along their contested Himalayan border. The development comes as a double-edged sword for Islamabad, particularly in light of its own unresolved disputes with India over the Kashmir region.

Though the Pakistani government has not issued any official statements regarding the recent military repositioning, experts suggest that the reduction in hostilities between China and India at the tri-junction in Kashmir is seen as a positive sign. "Any development that contributes to the stability and security of the region will be welcome in Pakistan," remarked Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to key global powers such as Britain, the United States, and the United Nations.

The de-escalation between China and India is particularly significant given the fraught international landscape. Lodhi highlighted that easing tensions in South Asia is "good news for South Asia at a time when the situation is so fraught elsewhere in the world."

On October 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged a handshake during the 16th Brics summit held in Kazan, Russia—a symbol of thawing relations. Just two days earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs had announced an agreement with China for "disengagement and resolution of issues" in their border areas. This agreement follows violent clashes in June 2020 that led to the deaths of 24 soldiers.

China's foreign ministry confirmed that both nations had "reached a solution" after thorough "close communication" through both diplomatic and military channels.

While the de-escalation is a welcome development for many, Islamabad remains frustrated that New Delhi is not showing a similar willingness to reengage in diplomatic talks over their disputed Kashmir border, keeping the region in a perpetual state of tension.