China has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their escalating dispute through dialogue and not military force, following a Pakistani strike on a fuel depot in Afghanistan's Kandahar province The diplomatic intervention from Beijing signals growing concern over regional instability.
In a phone call with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek an immediate ceasefire According to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang stressed the need for face-to-face talks as soon as possible, warning that any "further use of force will only complicate" the situation
The call came after a Pakistani military strike hit a fuel depot near Kandahar's airport, a significant escalation in the ongoing friction between the two neighbours This development directly threatens stability along China's western periphery, a region of strategic importance for Beijing's security and economic initiatives.
China's push for mediation highlights its objective to protect its interests and project its influence as a stabilizing power in South and Central Asia. The escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions present a critical test for Beijing's diplomatic capabilities and its ambition to act as a primary peace broker in regional conflicts. During their discussion, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East The outcome of this de-escalation effort could have significant implications for the future of regional security and China's geopolitical standing.
Yasir Rai
