China Urges Dialogue Between Taliban and Pakistan to Resolve Recent Tensions
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, emphasized the necessity of dialogue and negotiation between the Taliban administration and Pakistan to end the recent tensions during a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister. According to Beijing, disputes can only be resolved through political consultation, and continued tension could jeopardize regional peace and stability.
In a statement released on Friday night, 12 March, it was noted that escalating conflicts complicate the situation and benefit no party. China has called on both sides to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to use diplomatic means to reduce tensions.
This call came after Wang Yi had previously spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, stressing the immediate return of the parties to dialogue. Beijing, which has sought a more active role in regional developments in recent years, considers stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan vital for regional security.
Relations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent weeks. Tensions along the border have led to clashes causing casualties and financial damage.
Pakistani officials claim their attacks target only terrorist positions; however, the Taliban administration denies these allegations and rejects any harboring of militants against Pakistani territory. Nevertheless, the ongoing tensions have again raised concerns about security management and the Taliban’s relations with neighboring countries.
