China has voiced deep concern over the recent deadly clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to exercise restraint and resolve their disputes through dialogue.
The call came after one of the most serious border flare-ups in years, which began late Saturday and continued into Sunday morning. According to Pakistan’s military, 23 troops were martyred while 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were killed as Islamabad retaliated against cross-border aggression.
Kabul, however, claimed its strikes were “retaliatory,” accusing Pakistan of conducting earlier air raids on Afghan territory, an allegation Islamabad has not confirmed. Pakistan maintains that Afghanistan must stop providing safe havens to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and prevent cross-border attacks.
Addressing a press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “China sincerely hopes that both sides will focus on the broader picture, remain calm and restrained, and resolve their concerns through dialogue and consultation to avoid escalating the conflict.”
China, which shares borders with both nations in its western region, has been attempting to mediate and stabilise relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Lin emphasised that “Pakistan and Afghanistan are friendly neighbours of China,” adding that maintaining peace, achieving development, and combating terrorism are in both countries’ long-term interests.
Beijing also called on both sides to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and investments in the region. In August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts in Kabul, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic engagement through trilateral cooperation.
China has reaffirmed its willingness to play a “constructive role” in promoting mutual trust, stability, and regional peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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