Beijing’s envoy visits Kabul; Yue Xiaoyong holds talks with FM Muttaqi; Says China backs peaceful engagement
China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong holds talks with Taliban govt’s acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. Photo: @taahir_khan/X
ISLAMABAD:
China has stepped in diplomatically to help defuse the 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 neighbours.
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 emphasised Beijing’s desire to see 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 neighbours and believes disputes should be settled through diplomatic channels.
The visit comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have hit their lowest point with both sides exchanging intense fire for the last 10 days. Pakistan continues to pound targets inside Afghanistan through air and drone strikes.
Officials said Islamabad was left with no option but to resort to cross-border counter-terrorism operations after the Afghan Taliban regime failed to rein in terrorist groups targeting Pakistan.
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 the Afghan Taliban authorities to take action against them.
The Taliban regime, however, has always rejected the charge 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 its sovereignty.
During his meeting with the Chinese envoy, Muttaqi shared Kabul’s position regarding what the Afghan side described as “aggression” by Pakistan’s military against Afghan territory.
He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate prioritises resolving disputes through peaceful means. At the same time, he stressed that Afghanistan considers the defence 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 wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and concerns about security along its western borders.
Diplomatic observers say China’s engagement reflects growing concern that prolonged tensions between Islamabad and Kabul could destabilise the region and undermine efforts aimed at economic connectivity and security cooperation.
