'China has stake in Kashmir'

SRINAGAR (Reuters) - China has a stake in peace in South Asia, and Kashmir in particular, as part of the disputed Himalayan region is under Beijings control, ALL Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) said. Kashmir leaders have mentioned Chinas role for the first time in resolving the dispute in Kashmir and its control over a part of the Himalayan region.
It (China) has a direct link with Kashmir as certain parts of Kashmir, including Aksai Chin, are under its control, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, APHC Chairman, told thousands of worshippers late on Friday.
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. Farooq said he is planning to visit China soon.
Hurriyat welcomes the approach adopted by China and America jointly in terms of addressing the issue of Kashmir in South Asia, he said.
He was referring to a joint statement issued by the United States and China after President Barack Obama met his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, which included a line of support for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations.
New Delhi said in response it does not need any external help to improve ties with neighbour Pakistan.