China urges Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks amid border tensions

China's special representative for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, held discussions over the past two days with Pakistani officials, including special envoy Muhammad Sadiq, on recent border clashes. Yue emphasized preventing escalation and returning to negotiations, with talks focusing on cooperation for regional peace, security and development.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged dialogue in phone conversations with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to China's Foreign Ministry, Wang stressed resolving disputes through consultation to avoid complicating regional stability. Muttaqi, of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, highlighted Afghanistan's economic-focused foreign policy, trust-based regional ties and support for political solutions to tensions. He conveyed the Islamic Emirate's view on recent Pakistani military attacks on Afghanistan's sovereignty, affirming the right to self-defense while favoring diplomacy.

Wang Yi stated that military actions are not a solution and China supports dialogue for regional disputes.

Tensions have escalated with Pakistani airstrikes on areas in Kabul, Paktia, Paktika and Kandahar provinces, which Taliban officials say caused civilian casualties. The Islamic Emirate's forces claimed retaliatory drone strikes on Pakistani positions and cross-border operations from Nangarhar. Pakistan's Information Minister claimed the strikes targeted facilities supporting militants. UNAMA reported four civilians killed and 14 wounded in a Friday night airstrike east of Kabul, with at least 75 civilians killed and 193 wounded since February 26 in Pakistani airstrikes and clashes.

Pakistani officials reported hundreds of Taliban fighters and militants killed, while the Taliban claimed dozens of Pakistani soldiers died.