Amid Pakistan’s ‘Open War’ on Afghanistan, China Urges Both Sides to Reach Ceasefire

Beijing: Amid the ongoing stress between Pakistan and Afghanistan, China on Friday called on both the countries to work out a ceasefire while expressing concern over the escalation of the conflict.

China is closely following the developments of the situation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told PTI during a media briefing here, responding to questions on the current conflict between the two countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are close neighbours, and both are neighbouring countries of China. As a neighbour and friend, China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and deeply saddened by the casualties caused by the conflict, Mao told PTI. 

China "calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint... achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed", Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.

"China has consistently mediated the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions."

The ministry and China's embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were "working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter", she said.