China ready to play constructive role in easing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday that China has been mediating and facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its channels following fresh clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, Mao said China is closely following the developments of the situation and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions and improving relations between the two countries.

The spokeswoman said China supports combating all forms of terrorism and called on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint, properly resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are neighbors that cannot be moved away, and both are also China's neighbors. As a neighboring country and friend, China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and deeply saddened by the casualties it has caused," Mao said.

According to the spokeswoman, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan are in communication with the relevant parties in both countries

China has also urged the two sides to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in both countries, Mao said.