Photo: V CG

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating since the two sides crossed fire on Wednesday. Several Chinese nationals living in both countries reached by the Global Times on Saturday shared that their current lives have not been greatly affected despite airspace closure and cancellation of travel plans. They stand ready to follow embassy guidance if there is an emergency.

Pakistan has launched a major military campaign code-named Operation Bunyanun Marsoos in response to continued Indian provocations, official sources said early Saturday, according to Xinhua. 

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan army, said in a statement that the operation "Bunyanun Marsoos," meaning concrete structure, has been initiated and that multiple targets are being engaged all across India, Xinhua reported.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a special briefing on Saturday that the Pakistani army's actions constituted provocation, and accordingly, India acted in a measured fashion. The Foreign Secretary added that India does not want any escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocates, Indian media outlet NDTV reported.

A Chinese trader surnamed Zhou, who lives in Pakistan's largest city Karachi, told the Global Times that life near Karachi Port remained "largely unaffected," with normal routines continuing. A local swimming pool near her home operated as usual, and staff showed no signs of distress despite non-stop coverage of the conflict on TV. Some residents have stockpiled food as a precaution, she noted.

However, the airspace closure has disrupted travel plans for Chinese clients booked to attend an exhibition in Karachi, Zhou said. "There's no panic right now. If the situation worsens, we trust the embassy will alert us, and we'll follow their instructions," said Zhou.

A power sector worker surnamed Qi in Pakistan saw his business trip to Afghanistan derailed by flight cancellations. "Our flight was supposed to pass through Pakistani airspace to enter Afghanistan, but after the closure this morning, our check-in was canceled, Qi told the Global Times on Saturday. Qi is waiting for updates at Dubai Airport and his colleagues in Islamabad are also stuck due to canceled flights.

A Chinese overseas surnamed Chen living in Islamabad highlighted psychological impacts from nearby missile strike, noting that people try to stay calm and minimize outings as the embassy advised. 

Chen also said that frequent airspace closures due to incoming airstrike threats have led to mass flight cancellations, derailing travel plans for those looking to return home or travel abroad.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan warned citizens via its WeChat account on Friday to monitor the situation closely, avoid non-essential trips to Pakistan, and strengthen security measures. "Emergency assistance is available through our consular offices," it added.

In India, Chinese nationals use WeChat groups to share updates －security drill notices, flight cancellations, and embassy alerts. People share factual information, not emotional expressions, said Chen, a Chinese resident in India.

"We all share one hope: to advocate for peace and prevent further escalation," Chen told the Global Times.

In New Delhi, Han in cross-border e-commerce sector observed limited real-life impact. "It's not as bad as social media makes it out to be. I had dinner with Indian friends yesterday, and locals went shopping and worked normally," he said. A representative from a Chinese company echoed that daily life remained unchanged.

In Indian-controlled Kashmir, a trader surnamed Zhang said residents appeared unbothered, perhaps accustomed to border tensions. "The Chinese Embassy in India has contacted us to stay safe and will offer evacuation assistance if needed," Zhang told the Global Times.

The Chinese Embassy in India on Friday also issued a advisory on its website, urging Chinese nationals in India to enhance security and contact consular services in emergencies.

On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China is closely following the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan and is deeply concerned about the escalation. 

"We strongly urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, exercise calm and restraint, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means, and refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions. This will be important for the fundamental interest of both India and Pakistan, and for a stable and peaceful region. This is also what the international community hopes to see. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role to this end,"the spokesperson said.