China, which has good diplomatic ties with Islamabad, on Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' and asked New Delhi to carry out its fight against terrorism through international co-operation, hours after the Balakot airstrike claim by India.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media in Beijing that 'we have taken note of the relevant reports. I want to say that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia. A sound relationship and co-operation between the two serves the interests of both the countries and peace and stability in South Asia.'

About India's assertion that the operation was a 'non-military pre-emptive strike' directed against training camps of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lu said: 'As for India's claim on taking action against terrorism, well fighting terrorism is a global practice. It needs necessary international cooperation. India needs to create favourable conditions internationally for the same,' he said.

Lu's comments came ahead of the Russia, India and China (RIC) foreign ministers' meeting in the Chinese city of Wuzhen on Wednesday where Sushma Swaraj is expected to take part. The Pulwama terror attack and India's airstrike in retaliation are expected to figure in the her talks.

Australia too urged India and Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' and engage in dialogue but also asked Islamabad to take 'urgent and meaningful' action against terrorist groups. Australian foreign minister Marise Payne's statement said: 'Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed which has claimed responsibility for the 14 February bombing, and Lashkar-e-Taiba.'