BEIJING — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disputes through dialogue and consultation rather than force, amid escalating cross-border tensions. Wang conveyed the message in a phone call with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing the need for calm, restraint, and an immediate ceasefire.
Read More: China steps in to defuse Pak–Afghan tensions
“Further use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify tensions,” Wang said, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry. He also encouraged both sides to hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible to address differences peacefully.
China urges Afghanistan, Pakistan to resolve tensions via talks, not force https://t.co/tIsgcnK7Wa https://t.co/tIsgcnK7Wa
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The call follows Pakistan’s targeting of terror camps and related infrastructure in Afghanistan, part of ongoing military operations against groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has repeatedly demanded that the Taliban administration dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, citing a rise in attacks since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Recent incidents have intensified tensions. On February 16, a vehicle-borne suicide attack on a joint Pakistani security post in Bajaur killed 11 soldiers and a young girl, with seven others injured. Pakistani authorities said the bomber was linked to the Afghan Taliban’s special forces and the TTP claimed responsibility. Subsequent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also led to the martyrdom of military personnel.
Pakistan’s military has reiterated that operations against terrorists using Afghan soil would continue, asserting that attacks during the holy month of Ramazan are unacceptable. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that cross-border strikes remain a viable option if attacks persist.
Read More: China–Pakistan–Afghanistan trilateral dialogue
In addition to Pakistan-Afghanistan issues, Wang and Muttaqi also discussed the situation in Iran, with China expressing readiness to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to promote peace in the region.
The escalating tensions underscore the fragile security situation along the Pak-Afghan border and highlight the diplomatic role China is seeking to play in regional conflict resolution.