Afghanistan-Pakistan Escalation: China Calls for Ceasefire
The Chinese government has called for a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Beijing stated it is engaged in talks with both parties in an attempt to end the violent clashes, which have caused Beijing “considerable concern”.
Pakistan is one of China’s closest regional partners, but Beijing also describes itself as a “friendly neighbour” to Afghanistan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China is “deeply concerned about the escalation of conflict”, following Pakistan’s bombing of major Afghan cities including the capital Kabul on Friday (27 February).
“China calls on both parties to remain calm and exercise restraint… to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and to avoid further bloodshed,” he said at a regular press briefing, according to news agency AFP (27 February 2026).
“China has consistently mediated conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions,” Mao added.
China’s ministries and embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan “are working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter,” he said.
Mao stated that the Chinese government has requested both nations ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions.
He said Beijing is closely monitoring the situation and will provide assistance to its citizens in need.
Pakistan’s latest military operations occurred after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night, following previous airstrikes by Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister has stated the two neighbouring countries are in “open war”.
Previously, China had invested tens of billions of US dollars in Pakistan to fund large-scale transportation, energy, and infrastructure projects – part of Beijing’s transnational Belt and Road Initiative scheme.
Islamabad used Chinese-made military equipment, including fighter jets, against India during a brief conflict in May.
However, analysts note that Beijing has also become an important partner to Taliban authorities since they returned to power in 2021 after overthrowing the Afghan government.