In hopes of advancing its interests, China has been tirelessly working to bring Afghanistan and Pakistan together. However, the recent clashes between these two nations have raised China's concerns. On Saturday night, a fierce conflict erupted at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Both countries accused each other of initiating the attack, and China's response has now surfaced.
China expressed its concern about the conflict between the two nations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Monday, 'China hopes that both countries will remain calm, think long-term, and steadfastly resolve mutual concerns through dialogue. We expect both parties to refrain from escalating conflicts and work together to maintain peace and stability in their countries and the region.'
The border skirmishes have claimed the lives of dozens of Taliban fighters and Pakistani soldiers. According to Reuters, this marks the most severe clash since the Taliban regained power.
The Pakistani military reported that Taliban fighters, along with their allied terrorist groups, launched an attack on the Pakistani border late on Saturday. The Pakistani army alleged that the Taliban carried out an unprovoked attack targeting military posts.
The Pakistani army stated that in the violent skirmish, 23 of its soldiers were killed, while 29 were injured. Pakistan claimed that over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in their counterattack, although the Taliban have dismissed these claims.
The Taliban argued that Pakistan first violated Afghanistan's airspace, prompting them to retaliate. A Taliban spokesperson announced that they had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in response.
This situation has left China deeply concerned. During a press briefing, Chinese spokesperson Lin acknowledged the recent conflicts and the resultant tense relations between the two countries.
Lin remarked that 'Pakistan and Afghanistan are China's friendly neighbors. As inseparable neighbors, maintaining positive relations, pursuing socio-economic development, and combating terrorism together aligns with both parties' fundamental and long-term interests.'
The spokesperson also highlighted China's willingness to persist as a constructive force in improving and fostering the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship.
Lin further emphasized that China has urged both nations to take concrete measures ensuring the safety of Chinese workers, projects, and institutions within their respective countries.
The intensifying dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a valid concern for China, given its ambitions to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. A few months ago, Afghanistan agreed to participate in this project.
This initiative is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Stable relations with Pakistan are crucial for extending the project to Afghanistan, but the recent tensions make this seem challenging, justifying China's concern.
