The recent clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have worried China. After mediation attempts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey reportedly failed, Beijing has now started direct efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries.
China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, met with the Taliban government’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and said that China is actively working to ease tensions between the neighboring nations.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a post on social media that the meeting focused on bilateral relations between China and Afghanistan, the regional situation, and the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.
What Afghanistan Said About Pakistan
During the meeting, Amir Khan Muttaqi described Afghanistan’s relationship with China as positive and said both countries want to expand cooperation in several areas.
However, he also accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Muttaqi said the Kabul government prefers a peaceful solution to disputes, but it also has the right to defend its country and its people.
China’s envoy Yue Xiaoyong expressed condolences to the families of Afghan civilians who were killed in the recent clashes. He said China hopes Pakistan and Afghanistan will resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy and prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Why China Is Concerned About Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions
China has also made it clear that it is in regular contact with Pakistan and is trying to reduce military tensions between the two countries. Beijing believes that dialogue between the two neighbors is essential for regional stability.
However, analysts say China’s concerns are also linked to its own strategic and economic interests. China has invested billions of dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a major part of its Belt and Road Initiative.
If tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan turn into a larger conflict, it could threaten these projects and Chinese investments across the region. Experts also warn that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could target Chinese projects.
Security Concerns For China
China is also worried about security risks. Rising instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border could increase the activities of militant groups.
Analysts say this could eventually affect China’s Xinjiang region if extremist groups become more active in the area. Because of these concerns, China is trying to play a role in reducing tensions and encouraging both countries to settle their disputes peacefully.
