China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong holds talks with the Taliban government’s Acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong holds talks with the Taliban government’s Acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. Photo: @taahir_khan/X
ISLAMABAD:
China has stepped in diplomatically to help ease ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue as cross-border frictions continue to strain ties between the two neighbors.
According to a statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry, China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong visited Kabul on Sunday and held talks with the Taliban government’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as the deteriorating security situation in the region.
During the meeting, the Chinese envoy emphasized Beijing’s desire to see the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. He stressed that preventing further escalation was important for regional stability and security.
Yue said China was in contact with both Kabul and Islamabad and was actively working to help reduce tensions between the two sides. The statement noted that Beijing supports peaceful engagement between the two neighbors and believes disputes should be settled through diplomatic channels.
The visit comes at a time when Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have hit their lowest point, with both sides exchanging intense fire since the last 10 days. Pakistan continues to strike targets inside Afghanistan through air and drone strikes.
Officials said Islamabad had no option but to resort to cross-border counter-terrorism operations after the Taliban regime failed to rein in terror groups targeting Pakistan.
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Islamabad has repeatedly stated that terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil carry out attacks inside Pakistan, particularly the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials say the presence of such groups poses a serious threat to the country’s security and have urged Afghan Taliban authorities to crack down on them.
However, the Taliban regime has always denied the accusation that it allows terrorist groups to operate from its territory. Kabul has instead accused Pakistan of carrying out military strikes inside Afghan territory and violating the country’s sovereignty.
During his meeting with the Chinese envoy, Muttaqi shared Kabul’s position on what the Afghan side described as “aggression” by Pakistan’s military against Afghan territory. He reiterated that the Islamic emirate prioritizes resolving disputes by peaceful means.
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At the same time, he emphasized that Afghanistan considers the defense of its territory and people a legitimate right.
China, which maintains close ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has increasingly played a diplomatic role in encouraging dialogue between the two countries.
Beijing has strategic interests in regional stability, particularly due to its investments and connectivity projects linked to the broader Belt and Road Initiative and concerns about security along its western borders.
Diplomatic observers say China’s engagement reflects growing concerns that lingering tensions between Islamabad and Kabul could destabilize the region and undermine efforts aimed at economic connectivity and security cooperation.
