After China, several other countries have diplomatically distanced themselves from India, which is hosting the G20 tourism working group meeting in the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir, an action viewed as breaching international laws. As a result, these countries have chosen not to participate in the summit.
China announced its non-participation in the G20 meeting scheduled for May 22nd because of its staunch opposition to hosting any meetings within disputed territories. “We are firmly against any form of G20 meetings held on contested land and will abstain from such gatherings,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
In addition to China, countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt signaled their reluctance to join the meeting, refraining from registering for the event. Turkey has consistently favored Pakistan in the Kashmir dispute, bringing up the issue on various global platforms.
Read: Modi Pins Responsibility for Normalising Indo-Pak Relations on Islamabad
Furthermore, all political factions and freedom fighter groups within the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir announced plans for a full-scale strike on the day of the meeting. A press release confirmed that residents on both sides of the Line of Control would participate in a shutdown on May 22nd, with anti-India protests and rallies set to occur in major global capitals. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference and the political leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir jointly initiated this response.
In a show of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari embarked on a three-day visit to Muzaffarabad. Addressing the media, Bhutto-Zardari stated, “India cannot silence the voice of Kashmiris with a conference. In breach of UN resolutions, India’s ability to play a significant global role is compromised.” He stressed that those assuming they could suppress the Kashmiri people’s voice by hosting a conference would be proven incorrect. “We are exposing the true face of India to the world. I am here to stand with our Kashmiri brethren,” he added.
