Beijing may not have had troops on the ground, but as South Asia's two nuclear powers bared their teeth over Kashmir, China eyed an opportunity

China has welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, according Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

When asked to comment on media reports that India and Pakistan had reached a consensus on Saturday to immediately cease fire and hold further talks, and that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had spoken separately by phone on Monday night with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval,