BEIJING : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held an urgent phone conversation with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday, March 13, 2026, to address the escalating military conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Wang emphasized that the growing friction between the two neighbors can only be resolved through dialogue and consultation, warning that the continued use of force would threaten regional stability.
The high-level diplomatic outreach comes immediately after Pakistani air strikes reportedly targeted militant infrastructure and a fuel depot near Kandahar airport earlier that morning. China has now officially stepped into a mediation role, urging both sides to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table to prevent a full scale regional crisis.
Beijing Warns Against Escalation
During the call, Wang Yi noted that the use of military force would "only complicate the situation and intensify contradictions." He stressed that an escalation would offer no benefit to either nation and would instead undermine the fragile peace in South Asia.
"Afghanistan and Pakistan are inseparable brothers and neighbors," Wang stated, reaffirming China's objective and impartial stance. He confirmed that China’s special envoy on Afghan affairs is currently engaged in shuttle diplomacy, moving between Islamabad and Kabul to facilitate face-to-face talks.
A Call for Immediate Ceasefire
The conflict reached a tipping point following a series of cross-border incidents, including a suicide attack in Pakistan's Bajaur district in February that killed 11 soldiers. In response to the latest Pakistani strikes, the Afghan side expressed a desire for a political solution:
Regional Stability: Muttaqi reaffirmed that Afghan territory would not be used to attack neighboring countries.
Mutual Trust: Kabul is seeking a path toward "friendly coexistence" rather than military confrontation.
Mediation Support: Muttaqi thanked Beijing for its active efforts in brokering a detente.
Broader Regional Implications
The ministers also exchanged views on the volatile situation in Iran, where rising tensions have further complicated the geopolitical landscape. China has signaled its readiness to work with the international community to stabilize the region, viewing the peace between Kabul and Islamabad as a vital component of this broader security goal.
Beijing’s deep investments in both nations, including mining and infrastructure projects, provide a significant incentive for China to ensure the conflict does not expand.
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