The most recent conflict in the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan may not have directly involved its neighbor, China. Nonetheless, Beijing’s influence looms large.

Pakistan and China agreed to maintain close communication and coordination at all levels, Islamabad said on Wednesday following a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Beijing.

China made a critical difference in the latest India-Pakistan conflict, says Imtiaz Gul, a Pakistani security analyst. "It took the Indian planners by sheer surprise. They didn't probably envision the depth of co-operation in the modern warfare between Pakistan and China," he said.