China to mediate Afghanistan-Pakistan talks

Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are making progress, China said, as efforts intensify to end the most serious conflict between the two countries since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Beijing, which shares a border with both countries, is seeking to mediate and restore communication between the rival sides.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said both countries viewed Chinese mediation as important and were willing to continue talks. China has already been in contact with the foreign ministers of both countries and has also sent a special envoy.

The location of the talks has not been officially confirmed, though earlier reports suggested they could take place in the Chinese city of Urumqi.

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been ongoing since October and has claimed dozens of lives on both sides. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks on its territory. Kabul rejects the accusations, saying it is an internal Pakistani matter.

(reuters, max)