This will inevitably endanger the peace and stability of Asia and the world at large and have a big impact on the international nonproliferation regime. However, we must not fail to note that it was India who started the South Asian crisis. As a close neighbor to South Asia, China wishes to see continued peace and stability in the region. China will always play a constructive role on the South Asian question. To ease the tension in South Asia, it is most imperative that India and Pakistan keep coolheaded, exercise restraint, resume dialogue immediately and refrain from any remarks or actions that might further intensify tensions.
China has a close relationship with Pakistan.
In the wake of the nuclear explosion by India, President Clinton and I had a telephone conversation and I promised that I would work on Pakistan. In November 1996 I paid a successful visit to India. I was accorded a very friendly reception by the government and people of India. That visit has left me with very good memories. I was surprised that they conducted nuclear tests.