ISLAMABAD – China has reacted to Iran’s air strikes in Pakistan as an unprovoked air space violation killed two children and caused uproar on an international level.

As Tehran claimed hitting two sites of terror groups in Balochistan, Pakistani authorities reacted strongly and warned Iran that such moves could lead to serious consequences.

As tensions continue unabated, China – a key ally of both countries –urged Islamabad and Tehran to show restraint. In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning called on both countries to avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension.

China also called on working together to maintain peace and stability.

Beijing said it considers both Pakistan and Iran as close neighbours and major Islamic countries.

Iran air strikes in Pakistan

As the skirmishes raised eyebrows, Pakistani government expelled Iranian ambassador while recalling its envoy from Tehran.

MoFA spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed expulsion of Iran’s envoy and that Iranian envoy to South who is currently visiting Iran may not return as of now.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran which resulted in death of two innocent children while injuring three girls.

Pakistan’s strong protest has already been lodged with the concerned senior official in the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran. Additionally, the statement maintained the Iranian Charge d’affaires has been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey our strongest condemnation of this blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The statement added that Pakistan has always said terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region that requires coordinated action.

Iran launched attacks in border won of Panjgur in Balochistan on Tuesday targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl.