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.

Increasing Western military support to India, and China’s to Pakistan, signals a shift in global alignments — and another potential flashpoint for international tensions.