Although Pakistan has previously requested expanded debt limits, China has declined such appeals in the past. This latest move comes just weeks after Beijing extended the $4.3 billion (30 billion yuan) facility for another three years.

Former Eastern Command chief Lt Gen (retd) Kalita said China is unlikely to get directly involved amid India-Pakistan instability, while warning of rising vulnerabilities along the Bangladesh border.

Kalita also highlighted the impact of increased US trade tariffs on both India and China, stating that as major manufacturing hubs and consumption markets, both countries are bound to feel the effects more sharply.