WATCH: Chinese analyst Dr Victor Gao unequivocally backs Pakistan on Indian news channel

Acclaimed Chinese academic and Deng Xiaoping's former translator, Dr Victor Gao, unequivocally stated that China would not hesitate to defend Pakistan in the event of a war with India. His remarks were made during a recent interview with an Indian news channel.

Dr Gao’s categorical stance on China’s support for Pakistan appeared to unsettle the Indian news anchor, who criticised Beijing for taking sides in a potential conflict between the two South Asian nations.

During the interview, the Indian anchor questioned Dr Gao about China’s support for Pakistan’s call for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack, arguing that such probes have rarely helped India achieve any tangible results in its fight against terrorism.

In response, Dr Gao stressed that “the deterioration of relations between two nuclear-armed countries is a serious concern.” He urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning that “otherwise, the consequences will be too much to bear.”

Read: Pakistan seeks international investigation into Pahalgam attack

Referring to recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, Dr Gao said, “Inside Paksitan there have been terrorist attacks against Chinese nationals and we actually lost quite a few Chinese nationals but we always called for a thorough investigation into what exactly is happening behind the scene. Who was pulling the trigger, who was committing all these atrocities.”

He added that China is applying the same principle to the recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Dr Gao further emphasised the importance of all stakeholders, including India and Pakistan, thoroughly investigating the incident rather than allowing it to trigger escalation.

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When questioned about China's response to attacks on CPEC projects in Balochistan last year, and whether China still considers Pakistan an "iron-clad brother," Dr Gao reiterated that China always insists on thorough investigations rather than jumping to conclusions that may lead to conflict.

He categorically stated, “China and Pakistan are all-weather, iron-clad allies. No one should second-guess this alliance. China will always support Pakistan whenever its sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.”

Dr Gao reaffirmed that in the event of a war with India, China is fully committed to defending Pakistan.

Read more: Pahalgam attack: ex-US diplomat slams India's allegation on Pakistan as 'absurd'

Pressed further on reports of Chinese logistical and engineering movements in Pakistan’s northern regions amid rising regional tensions, the anchor asked, “If a situation were to escalate between india and Pakistan, China would not come Pakistan's aid, providing military and logistical supplies?”

While maintaining a respectful tone toward India, Dr Gao responded assertively, “The Chinese economy is five times larger than India’s. If India chooses to shut itself off from China, it would only harm the fundamental interests of its own people.”

He concluded with a firm warning, “Never underestimate China’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s legitimate interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”