China has stepped in diplomatically to help calm the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both countries to settle their differences through dialogue as clashes along their shared border continue to worsen, according to The Express Tribune.
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, visited Kabul on Sunday and held talks with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. According to a statement from the Afghan foreign ministry, the meeting focused on regional security, bilateral cooperation, and the growing strain between Kabul and Islamabad.
During the discussions, Yue stressed that China hopes both countries will resolve their disputes through diplomacy rather than further military action. He said Beijing is maintaining contact with both governments and is actively encouraging efforts to reduce tensions. The envoy emphasized that preventing further escalation is important for peace and stability in the region.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated in recent days. Officials say the two sides have exchanged heavy fire across the border for nearly ten days, marking one of the most serious confrontations in recent years. Pakistani forces have reportedly carried out air and drone strikes against targets inside Afghan territory.
Islamabad says these operations are aimed at militant groups that it claims are using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the banned militant organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan of carrying out cross-border attacks and say they have urged Afghan authorities to take action against the group.
The Taliban government, however, rejects these accusations. Afghan officials insist they do not allow armed groups to operate from their territory. Kabul has instead accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through military strikes.
During the meeting with the Chinese envoy, Muttaqi presented Afghanistan’s position and described Pakistan’s military actions as aggression. At the same time, he said the Afghan government prefers to resolve disputes through peaceful means, while also stressing that defending its territory and citizens remains a legitimate right.
China maintains close ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan and has increasingly played a role in encouraging dialogue between the two neighbors. Analysts say Beijing’s involvement reflects its concern that prolonged tensions could destabilize the region and threaten major economic and connectivity projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Diplomatic observers believe China’s mediation efforts could help prevent the situation from escalating further while encouraging both sides to return to negotiations.
