China Urges De-escalation in Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions

DID Press: Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, expressed concern over rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan during a phone call with Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang stressed that the most urgent task is to prevent further escalation and return to negotiations as soon as possible.

He also reiterated that China firmly supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, while expressing hope that Islamabad will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.

Wang added that China’s special envoy for Afghanistan is currently shuttling between Afghanistan and Pakistan in an effort to facilitate dialogue and ease tensions between the two sides.

During the call, the two ministers also discussed broader regional and global developments. Dar emphasized the urgent need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and other regions, while both sides highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Meanwhile, officials from the Taliban administration reported new clashes with Pakistani forces affecting several villages. Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban government, said seven villages were targeted in the latest incidents.

Fitrat wrote on social media that attacks were reported in Khost Province, while fighting in Paktia Province on Monday night left three people dead.

He added that mortar and artillery strikes occurred in the districts of Kamdesh District in Nuristan Province, Shkin District in Paktika Province, and Barmal District.

Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an immediate response to the reports from Kabul.