China Offers to Mediate as Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Escalate
News Desk/APP
Beijing: China on Friday confirmed it is mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own diplomatic channels and expressed willingness to play a constructive role in easing rising border tensions between the two neighbors.
Responding to questions about the recent escalation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was deeply concerned about the clashes and saddened by the reported casualties.
She noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan are not only close neighbors to each other but also important neighbors of China, stressing that continued escalation would harm both sides and undermine regional stability.
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China supports efforts to combat all forms of terrorism, Mao said, while urging both countries to exercise restraint, remain calm, and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. She called for an early ceasefire to prevent further suffering and safeguard regional peace.
According to the spokesperson, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan are in communication with relevant parties in both countries.
Mao added that China has asked both governments to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions operating within their territories.
On whether Beijing was considering evacuating its citizens or suspending flights due to the cross-border clashes, she said China was closely monitoring the situation and would provide necessary assistance to its nationals if required.
Global Powers Push Diplomacy
Major world powers and international organisations have intensified diplomatic engagement as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan sharply escalated following cross-border clashes and retaliatory strikes.
While Pakistan announced a large-scale military response under “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” global capitals urged restraint, warning that continued escalation could destabilise the wider region.
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Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar said Pakistan had delivered a “strong and comprehensive response” to what he termed unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban regime.
He stated that 133 militants were killed and over 200 injured during the operation launched along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
Security sources said several key Afghan Taliban positions were destroyed during the retaliatory action. The operation followed cross-border incidents that Islamabad described as attacks on its installations.
China Calls for De-escalation
China expressed deep concern over the rising tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was mediating through its own channels and was prepared to play a constructive role in cooling the situation.
China urged both sides to exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation, and avoid further harm to regional peace and stability.
Russia Offers Mediation
Russia also called for an immediate halt to cross-border attacks. According to remarks cited by RIA news agency, Moscow urged both countries to settle disagreements through diplomatic means and said it would consider mediation if requested by both parties.
Iran Proposes Dialogue Facilitation
Iran offered to help facilitate dialogue between the two neighbours. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran stood ready to assist efforts aimed at enhancing understanding and cooperation.
UN Stresses Civilian Protection
At the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern over the escalation. His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief underscored the need for both countries to fulfil their obligations under international law and prioritise the protection of civilians.
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies
Diplomatic engagement also picked up regionally.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the evolving situation. Both sides emphasised the importance of regional peace and agreed to remain closely engaged.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the loss of life and urged maximum restraint.
He stressed that reconciliation was only possible through negotiations, calling for Pakistan’s security concerns to be addressed while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As military tensions persist on the ground, international focus is shifting toward urgent diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and restoring stability in a volatile region.
