Riyaz ul Khaliq
27 February 2026•Update: 27 February 2026
ISTANBUL
China on Friday expressed “deep concern” over border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging the two sides to “exercise calm and restraint” and “realize ceasefire.”
Beijing “is closely following the developments of the situation. 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 deeply saddened by the casualties caused by the conflict,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
The statement from Beijing came amid the fierce border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since Thursday night.
At least 14 people were killed, including four civilians and 10 soldiers, across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
“The current round of conflict is more intense than before,” said Mao, warning against escalation.
Mao said 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.”
The two sides should “realize ceasefire as soon as possible to avoid more suffering to people. … This serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and will help uphold peace and stability in the region,” said Mao.
China has been working on mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan “through its own channels and stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and improving relations between the two countries,” she added.
“Our ministry and embassies in the two countries are engaging the relevant sides to this end,” said Mao.
Beijing also called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the two countries, Mao added.
