BEIJING: Senior Chinese analyst Victor Gao has issued a stern warning to India: any attempt to block Pakistan’s water will be viewed by China as an attack on the sovereignty of its ally.
In an interview with Indian media, Gao highlighted the geographical realities of the river system, saying, “China is situated at the upper reaches of the river, and India lies in the middle. If India attempts to block water from flowing downstream to Pakistan, China will not remain silent.”
Gao emphasized the principle of reciprocity in international relations, urging India to reflect on its own position.
“India should consider how it would react if someone upstream treated it unfairly. Do not do unto others what you would not have done to yourself,” he remarked.
He also pointed out that any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty would constitute a breach of international law. “The Indus Waters Treaty is a legal commitment. Violating it would be a serious transgression of global norms,” Gao said.
Reaffirming China’s firm support for Pakistan, he concluded: “China stands fully behind Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and natural rights.”
This underscores growing regional sensitivities around water security and signals China’s readiness to defend its strategic interests in South Asia.
