China says Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks show progress

Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are making steady progress, China said on Friday, as efforts continue to ease tensions in their most serious conflict since the return of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 2021.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said both sides had welcomed Beijing’s mediation and were willing to resume dialogue. “This is a positive development,” she said, noting that China remains in close communication with both governments.

Beijing— which shares a border with both countries—has stepped up diplomatic engagement in recent months, including calls with foreign ministers and a visit by a special envoy in March. Previous rounds of talks have reportedly taken place in Urumqi, though officials did not confirm the latest venue.

China has positioned itself as a facilitator, aiming to create conditions for dialogue and provide a platform for negotiations. Mao said further details would be released jointly by the three countries “in due course.”

Clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces since October have killed dozens on both sides, with Afghan civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks—an allegation Afghan authorities deny, calling militancy a domestic issue for Pakistan.

The renewed diplomatic push signals cautious optimism that tensions between the neighbors could ease through sustained dialogue under Chinese mediation.