China tried to foster friendship between Taliban and Pakistan, but Jinping’s move backfired, and now Beijing is shouting for peace.

China’s efforts to foster friendship between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan appear to be failing. On Sunday, fierce fighting erupted between the two sides, killing at least 58 Pakistani soldiers. This is the most serious fighting between the two neighbors since the Taliban came to power in Kabul. Following this, a distraught Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Afghanistan, halting exports from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, China has stated that it is deeply concerned about the recent conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan and appeals to both countries for peace.

China Concerned by Taliban-Pakistan Clashes

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday that it is concerned about the recent conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It urged both countries to protect their citizens and investments in the region. China shares a border with Afghanistan and, illegally, Pakistan in its western region and is attempting to play a mediating role in calming the hostilities between the two sides.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Expresses Hope for Peace

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing, “China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in improving and developing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.” Lin said that Beijing hopes that Kabul and Islamabad will “maintain calm and restraint, and properly address each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation to prevent the escalation of conflicts.”
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China was facilitating friendship between Pakistan and Taliban

In August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a meeting with Pakistani and Afghan officials in Kabul, calling for strengthening exchanges at all levels. At an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing a few weeks earlier, China said that Kabul and Islamabad had agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations.