DID Press: Diplomatic efforts by China have helped reduce escalating border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to officials cited by Reuters.
Three Pakistani government officials said Beijing’s mediation played a key role in calming clashes along the frontier, which had intensified in recent weeks and were among the most serious since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
As part of the diplomatic push, Jiang Zaidong, China’s ambassador to Pakistan, met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in late February. Pakistani sources said there have been no new reports of Pakistani airstrikes in recent days, while ground fighting has also declined, although sporadic clashes continue.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that Beijing has been engaging both sides through diplomatic channels and is prepared to play a constructive role in reducing tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said envoys and diplomats are maintaining contact with officials from both countries to encourage dialogue.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban government’s defense minister, said Kabul does not seek further escalation and believes disputes with Pakistan can be resolved through negotiations.
Border violence has surged several times in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of initiating attacks. Pakistani security officials say their operations aim to prevent armed groups operating from Afghan territory from launching attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan government spokesperson Tahir Andrabi also confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently held a phone conversation with Wang Yi to discuss regional developments, emphasizing the long-standing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
China’s foreign ministry added that its special envoy for Afghanistan is actively traveling between the two countries to mediate, while Chinese embassies in Kabul and Islamabad remain in close contact with relevant authorities. Beijing says its priority is preventing further escalation and encouraging both sides to return to negotiations as soon as possible.