China urges calm as deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes risk spillover

Beijing has called for de-escalation following the deadliest border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2021, saying it is “deeply concerned” about the hostilities.

Analysts suggested the conflict remained manageable but warned that flaring tensions could jeopardise regional stability.

“China sincerely hopes that both countries will prioritise the bigger picture, exercise calm and restraint, and resolve their concerns through dialogue and consultation to avoid further conflict,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

He added that China was ready to “continue playing a constructive role” in improving bilateral ties and called on both sides to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the region.

Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated last week after their forces exchanged fire at various points along their border, marking some of the worst firefights since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

In what it called “an act of retaliation” for Pakistani air strikes last Thursday, the Taliban claimed on Sunday to have killed 58 Pakistani military personnel while its forces suffered nine casualties.

South China Morning Post