China presses Afghanistan, Pakistan to resolve tensions through talks

Shanghai — Wang Yi urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to settle their escalating tensions through dialogue rather than force during a phone call with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement released on Friday.

Wang called on both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint and hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, while seeking an immediate ceasefire and addressing differences through consultation, according to the statement.

China’s remarks came as hostilities intensified between Pakistan and Afghanistan following an airstrike that hit a fuel depot belonging to private carrier Kam Air near Kandahar International Airport in southern Afghanistan on Friday, an attack that has deepened the neighbours’ most serious confrontation in years.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang warned that any further use of force would complicate the situation and intensify tensions between the two countries.

Beijing has repeatedly positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and maintains diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and Kabul. The ministry said China supports direct dialogue between the two sides as the primary avenue to de-escalate the crisis.

During the call, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the situation in Iran, the statement said.

Wang said China was willing to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to contribute to peace in Iran, according to the ministry.