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A top Chinese envoy, despatched to Pakistan to help defuse tensions with India in the aftermath of the Mumbai [Images] attacks, has said the prevailing situation is not in the interest of both countries.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister He Yafei, who will hold consultations with the top leadership of its 'all weather ally', stressed the need for maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the Daily Times newspaper reported.

Yafei, who met Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir on Sunday called on India and Pakistan to work together to defuse the heightened tensions.

He was told by his interlocutors that Pakistan is ready to carry out a joint investigation into the Mumbai attacks and will take action against anyone found involved in the terrorist incident if New Delhi [Images] shared evidence with Islamabad [Images], the paper said.

The Chinese minister also spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on phone and is scheduled to meet him  on Monday.

He is also expected to meet President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani [Images].    

Over the past few days, China has stepped up efforts to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India. The Chinese minister has assured his interlocutors that his country will remain in close contact with Pakistan in pursuance of peace and stability.