China said it was not aware of recent remarks, which was attributed to a top Chinese diplomat and published in a leading Pakistani newspaper, that Beijing would unequivocally support Pakistan in case of any foreign aggression, and that it is backing Islamabad in the on-going Kashmir crisis.

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"I am not aware of the situation you mentioned," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang  when asked to comment about the reported remarks on Monday.

Dawn, a popular Pakistani English newspaper, published last week a statement reportedly issued by Punjab chief minister's office. It quoted Yu Boren, China's envoy in Lahore, as saying: "In case of any (foreign) aggression, our country will extend its full support to Pakistan."

The statement also claimed that Yu conveyed to Punjab chief minister China's unilateral support in the ongoing Kashmir crisis. 

 "We are and will be siding with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue," Yu allegedly added in the statement. "There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in (India)-held Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute should be solved in accordance with aspirations of the Kashmiris."

However, China today clarified that Kashmir dispute is a purely bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.  

"China's position on the relevant issue is consistent and clear," Geng noted. "As neighbour and friend to both Pakistan and India we hope the two countries will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation, manage and control the situation and jointly work for peace and stability of South Asia and the growth of the region."   

He further said that Kashmir is an unresolved chapter of history, as he hoped that concerned parties solvethe sensitive issue through proper mechanism.

China's refusal to back reported support to Pakistan will reportedly come as a huge setback for Islamabad, which at present, is coping against continuous diplomatic pressure piled by the Indian government following the recent Uri attack.

The Uri attack left 18 Indian soldiers dead in the Indian administrated Kashmir. New Delhi alleged that a Pakistan-based terrorist organization masterminded it.    

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