China has urged Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday when asked whether Beijing would step in to mediate tensions sparked by a deadly attack in the Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Addressing a daily news briefing, Guo described India and Pakistan as both important countries in the South Asian region, saying that their peaceful coexistence is crucial for regional peace, stability and development.

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"As a shared neighbor to both India and Pakistan, China calls on both sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," he said.