BEIJING – Chinese officials announced Friday that diplomatic discussions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are making steady progress as the two neighboring nations work to resolve their most severe dispute since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021.
Beijing, which borders both countries along its western frontier, has taken on the role of mediator between the former allies who have become adversaries. Chinese officials have conducted phone conversations with foreign ministers from both nations and dispatched a special diplomatic representative for visits during March.
“Both Pakistan and Afghanistan attach importance to, and welcome, China’s mediation, and are willing to sit down for talks again, which is a positive development,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press conference.
While Mao declined to specify the exact location of the current negotiations, both countries have previously indicated that discussions were taking place in Urumqi, a city in northwestern China.
According to Mao, Beijing has been facilitating and encouraging dialogue while maintaining close contact with both parties to establish appropriate conditions and offer a venue for negotiations. She added that all three nations would release additional details at a later time.
The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began in October, has resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides, with Afghan civilians bearing the heaviest losses.
Pakistani officials claim that the Afghan Taliban is providing sanctuary to Islamic extremists who conduct attacks within Pakistan’s borders. However, Kabul rejects these allegations, characterizing the militant activity as Pakistan’s internal issue.
