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China Intervenes to Ease Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions

ISLAMABAD: China has taken a diplomatic initiative to reduce escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to settle their disputes through dialogue. The move comes as cross-border conflicts have strained relations between the neighboring countries.

According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, visited Kabul on Sunday and met with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing the worsening security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

During the talks, Yue highlighted China’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. He stressed the importance of diplomacy in preventing further escalation and emphasized that Beijing is actively engaging with both Islamabad and Kabul to mediate tensions.

The visit coincides with a period of intense hostilities, as both countries have exchanged heavy fire over the past ten days. Pakistan has continued air and drone strikes targeting militant groups across the border. Officials in Islamabad state that cross-border counter-terrorism operations became necessary after the Taliban failed to curb activities of terrorist organizations threatening Pakistan’s security.

Pakistan has repeatedly pointed to groups operating from Afghan territory, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as a major security concern. The government has urged Afghan authorities to take decisive action against these militants. Meanwhile, the Taliban denies allowing such groups to operate from its soil, accusing Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty through military strikes.

In his meeting with the Chinese envoy, Muttaqi expressed Kabul’s stance, labeling Pakistan’s military operations as “aggression” while reiterating that Afghanistan seeks peaceful solutions. He also emphasized the country’s right to defend its territory and people.

China, maintaining strong ties with both nations, has increasingly assumed a mediator role. Its engagement reflects concerns over regional instability, particularly given Beijing’s strategic investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as security concerns along its western borders. Analysts suggest that China’s diplomatic efforts aim to prevent prolonged tensions from undermining regional security and economic connectivity.