Q: It is reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a stopover in Lahore, Pakistan on his way back to India from Afghanistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif went to the airport to receive him, and the two later had a meeting at Sharif’s private residence. What is China’s comment on that?

A: The Chinese side has noted the relevant report and welcomes the latest development of the relationship between Pakistan and India. Both of them are major South Asian countries. The improvement of their relationship is vital to regional peace, stability and development. As a neighbor and friend to both Pakistan and India, the Chinese side welcomes and supports, as it always does, their increase of mutual trust and pursuit of common development through dialogues.