China on Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to improve their relations after the Mumbai terrorist attacks, which have raised tensions between the two neighbours. India blames Pakistan-based militants for the deadly November 26-29 siege of parts of Mumbai that killed 163 people and has refused to rule out a military response.
"We hope that the two countries can have dialogue and consultation to solve relevant issues and improve their relations as major countries in South Asia," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters. "These two countries, by improving their relations, will contribute to peace and stability in the region." China's reaction came as the highest-ranking US military officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, encouraged Islamabad to forge more productive ties with India on Tuesday on a visit to Pakistan.