Beijing, February 27 China on Friday called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to establish a ceasefire, while expressing concern over the escalation of the conflict between the two countries.
China is closely monitoring the developments in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here, responding to questions about the current conflict between the two countries.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are close neighbors, and both are neighboring countries of China. As a neighbor and friend, China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and saddened by the casualties caused by it, Mao said.
She stated that China supports combating all forms of terrorism and calls on both sides to exercise calm and restraint, properly resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, and achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid further suffering.
The de-escalation serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, and will help maintain peace and stability in the region, she said.
She also stated that China has been mediating between the two countries through its own channels and is ready to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and improving relations between the two countries, Mao said.
In response to a question on whether China is considering evacuating Chinese nationals and companies from Pakistan and Afghanistan or suspending relevant flights due to the intense cross-border clashes between the two countries, Mao said, "We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide necessary assistance to Chinese nationals in need."
China maintains close ties with Pakistan and Afghanistan through a tripartite mechanism, conducting periodic meetings to address Islamabad's repeated allegations against Kabul of hosting Pakistan's militant groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Liberation Army.
The Afghan Taliban firmly reject the allegations of harboring Pakistani militants and blame the Pakistani army's aggressive actions, including air strikes on Kabul, for the escalation of the conflict.
