Beijing: China has expressed significant concern over the recent escalation of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and safeguard investments in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that peace and stability along the shared borders are critical and encouraged Islamabad and Kabul to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation to prevent further conflict.
The confrontations, described as the most severe since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul, resulted in dozens of casualties. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan reported multiple fatalities, although figures vary and remain unverified. The clashes have heightened tensions along the 2,600-kilometer frontier and disrupted cross-border trade, causing economic strain, particularly in Afghanistan, which relies heavily on Pakistani imports.
China, sharing borders with both nations in its western region, has historically sought to mediate in regional conflicts. In August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in a trilateral meeting in Kabul with Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, calling for strengthened diplomatic exchanges. Additionally, an earlier informal meeting in Beijing resulted in Kabul and Islamabad agreeing to upgrade their diplomatic ties, signaling Beijing’s commitment to facilitating dialogue.
Spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed China’s willingness to continue playing a constructive role in improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, stressing that both sides should remain calm, exercise restraint, and work toward resolving concerns diplomatically. China’s intervention underscores its strategic interest in regional stability and its role as a mediator in South Asian geopolitics.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for restraint and dialogue from multiple global actors, highlighting the broader implications of the border clashes on regional security.