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KABUL – China has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and resolve their escalating border tensions through dialogue, after deadly clashes left dozens dead on both sides. Responding to media queries at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing was “deeply concerned” by the surge in violence and urged both countries to “prioritize the broader regional interest, stay calm, avoid further escalation, and settle differences through consultation.”
Over the weekend, fierce fighting erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with Islamabad reporting the deaths of at least 23 Pakistani soldiers and over 200 militants, while Kabul claimed 58 Pakistani troops were killed in retaliatory strikes. The clashes mark one of the most serious flare-ups since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, worsening already fragile ties between the two neighbors.
China, which maintains close partnerships with both Islamabad and Kabul, has long sought to promote regional peace through its tripartite dialogue mechanism involving Afghanistan and Pakistan. Beijing has previously offered to mediate amid growing mutual accusations — with Pakistan blaming Afghan-based militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) for cross-border attacks, and Afghanistan condemning Pakistani airstrikes as violations of sovereignty.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional stability, Beijing urged both nations to work jointly to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed. “China stands ready to support all efforts that promote peace, cooperation, and mutual trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Lin said.
