ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a telephone conversation with Afghan interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, described Afghanistan and Pakistan as inseparable brothers and neighbours whose ties cannot be severed.
The call, initiated at Muttaqi’s request, came against the backdrop of intensified cross-border clashes that have marked one of the most serious escalations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Wang emphasised that disputes between the two countries can only be resolved through dialogue and consultation, not through force.
He warned that continued military actions would only complicate the situation and heighten tensions, offering no benefit to either side while threatening regional peace and stability.
The Chinese foreign minister highlighted Beijing’s ongoing mediation efforts, noting that China’s special envoy on Afghan affairs has been shuttling between Islamabad and Kabul to facilitate reconciliation.
Wang expressed hope that both sides would exercise restraint, engage in face-to-face exchanges soon, achieve a ceasefire promptly, and address differences through constructive dialogue.
China remains committed to active efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and detente between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he added.
The conversation reflects China’s strategic interest in stabilising its western neighbourhood, where prolonged instability could undermine economic initiatives and security concerns.
Tensions along the Durand Line have surged since late February 2026, triggered by Pakistani airstrikes targeting alleged militant camps in Afghan provinces including Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost.
Pakistan justified the operations as responses to cross-border attacks by groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring.
Afghanistan retaliated with border clashes, drone strikes, and operations against Pakistani positions, leading to a cycle of airstrikes, shelling, and ground skirmishes.
Recent incidents include Pakistani strikes on a fuel depot near Kandahar airport operated by private airline Kam Air, as well as reported attacks in Kabul and other areas.
Taliban authorities have reported civilian casualties, including children, from Pakistani artillery and mortar fire in eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistan has conducted operations such as Ghazab Lil Haq, aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure, while Afghanistan has claimed strikes on Pakistani military bases in regions like Kohat.
The conflict has disrupted trade routes, displaced border communities, and raised fears of a broader regional spillover, especially amid separate developments in the Middle East.
China’s mediation push builds on earlier diplomatic engagements, including messages from President Xi Jinping conveyed through ambassadors.
Beijing’s special envoy continues shuttle diplomacy, with Chinese embassies in both capitals maintaining close communication to encourage de-escalation.
Muttaqi, during the call, thanked China for its active role in mediating the conflicts and noted that the Afghan people, having endured prolonged war, value opportunities for peace and development.
The exchange underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic footprint in South and Central Asia, where it seeks to protect investments under the Belt and Road Initiative and counter security threats.
Analysts note that China’s neutral stance allows it to engage both parties without assigning blame, though sustaining leverage remains challenging amid deep-rooted mistrust.
The Durand Line dispute, historical militant sanctuaries, and mutual accusations of supporting terrorism continue to fuel the cycle of violence.
Previous ceasefires, often facilitated by third parties like Qatar and Turkey, have proven fragile and short-lived.
Wang’s remarks reinforce the message that dialogue represents the only viable path forward, urging both nations to prioritise restraint over escalation.
The international community watches closely, as further deterioration could impact counterterrorism efforts, refugee flows, and regional connectivity.
China’s call for calm and early talks signals a concerted push to prevent the conflict from spiralling, amid its broader vision for stability in neighbouring regions.
As mediation continues, the coming days will test whether diplomatic pressure can translate into a sustained ceasefire and meaningful negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides reporting ongoing military activities despite calls for de-escalation.