China Mediates Between Pakistan and Afghanistan; FO Confirms Strategic Talks with Beijing

The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan officially acknowledged on Thursday that Islamabad is engaging in high-level strategic consultations with Beijing to address the escalating hostilities on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. During a weekly briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan and China maintain a “unanimity of views” regarding the security situation in Afghanistan, which has been a primary focus of recent bilateral and trilateral dialogue frameworks.

The diplomatic surge comes as China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Dr. Yue Xiaoyong, actively “shuttles” between the two nations to mediate a resolution to the conflict triggered by the launch of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq on February 26.

China’s Mediatory Role: Protecting Stability and Investment

With significant investments in the mines and minerals sectors of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, Beijing has identified the de-escalation of border fighting as its “most urgent task.”

• High-Level Meetings: Chinese Ambassador to Kabul Zhao Xing and Special Envoy Dr. Yue Xiaoyong met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, this week. The Afghan side reportedly expressed readiness to redouble efforts to secure Chinese personnel and address terrorist activities.

• Strategic Partnership: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently held a telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reaffirming a partnership founded on mutual trust.

• Shared Concerns on Terrorism: Dr. Yue is currently visiting Pakistan for productive discussions focused on “terrorism emanating from Afghanistan,” specifically addressing the cross-border threats that prompted the Pakistan Army’s military response.

Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq and the Dialogue Framework

The reference to an ongoing dialogue process coincides with Pakistan’s firm military stance against the Afghan Taliban following “unprovoked firing” from across the border.

• Preventing Expansion: The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized to Reuters that preventing the fighting from expanding is the priority, urging both Kabul and Islamabad to return to the negotiating table.

• Non-Official Delegations: Responding to reports of various delegations visiting Kabul, the FO spokesperson clarified that any current group in Afghanistan holding talks with the Taliban does not represent an “official effort” by the Government of Pakistan.

• Turkish Mediation Claims: The Foreign Office expressed a lack of knowledge regarding reports of a Turkish delegation visiting Pakistan to broker a ceasefire, maintaining that the primary channel of communication remains the strategic dialogue with China.

Sovereignty and Regional Security

Pakistan reiterated its commitment to defending its borders while remaining open to the diplomatic assistance of its “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner.” The FO emphasized that any resolution must address Pakistan’s core security concerns regarding the safe havens of Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) inside Afghan territory.

“Afghanistan features both in our bilateral dialogue as well as in our trilateral dialogue framework. We cherish this partnership and the unanimity of views we share with Beijing.” — FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi

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