Not Iran First, China Steps In to Mediate Between These Two Muslim Countries

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly opened a new chapter of talks in China on Wednesday (01/04/2026). This step is aimed at ending the deadliest fighting between the two Muslim countries since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

Delegations from the foreign and defence ministries of both countries reportedly travelled to the city of Urumqi to begin discussions. The meeting involves mid-level officials focusing on the potential for a ceasefire and reopening border gates to restore trade routes.

“Our top leadership agrees with them and has decided to participate in the process,” said one Taliban leader in Kabul regarding their involvement in the dialogue, quoted by Reuters.

This negotiation effort is a response to the bloody conflict that has claimed numerous lives on both sides, particularly in Afghanistan, since Pakistan launched airstrikes at the end of February. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harbouring Islamist militants, while Kabul insists that militancy is Pakistan’s domestic issue.

Before these talks began, both sides engaged in intense crossfire this week following the end of a temporary Eid al-Fitr ceasefire. Pakistan ended the hostility pause on the grounds of responding to attacks from Afghan territory.

Kabul claims that more than 400 people were killed in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation centre last month, before the fighting was temporarily suspended. However, the Pakistani government flatly denies the Taliban statements regarding the impact of the strikes.

“We precisely targeted military installations and terrorist support infrastructure,” reads an official statement from Pakistan regarding the airstrikes in Afghan territory.

This Urumqi meeting initiative was entirely initiated by Beijing, which is attempting to act as a mediator amid escalating global political tensions. China’s mediation effort emerges as traditional mediators such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are currently embroiled in the US and Israel war against Iran.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also spotted in Beijing seeking China’s support for other peace initiatives. Although delegations are already on site, neither the Pakistani Foreign Ministry nor the Kabul administration has provided an official response regarding the details of the talks in China.