China said on Monday it is ready to continue efforts to help ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and urged both sides to return to negotiations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing had been mediating between the two countries in recent days.

“The most urgent task is to avoid the expansion of the war and return the two countries to the negotiating table as soon as possible,” Lin said during a regular press briefing.

He added that China was willing to keep working to promote reconciliation and reduce tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

Recent Border Tensions

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent days following a series of clashes along their shared border.

Pakistan carried out air strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces last week, saying it was targeting militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban-led government in Kabul condemned the strikes and warned of retaliation.

Cross-border exchanges of fire were reported in several areas along the frontier, raising fears that tensions could escalate further between the neighbouring countries.

Both sides have accused each other of allowing militants to operate from their territory.

China Offers Mediation

China, which maintains diplomatic ties with both countries, said it hopes to play a constructive role in preventing further escalation.

Lin said Beijing had been in communication with both Kabul and Islamabad and was prepared to assist efforts to restore dialogue.

“China is willing to continue to make efforts to achieve reconciliation and ease relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said.

Regional Stability Concerns

China has repeatedly stressed the importance of stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly because the region is critical for trade and connectivity projects linked to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Analysts say Beijing’s involvement reflects its growing diplomatic role in regional security issues.

(with inputs from Reuters)