Pakistani government officials tell Reuters: China's mediation eases Pakistan-Afghan clashes

Chinese mediation efforts have helped ease recent clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan along their shared border, three Pakistani government officials told Reuters, after tensions escalated in some of the worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The officials said Beijing's diplomatic efforts included a meeting between China's ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in late February.

No Pakistani airstrikes have been reported in recent days and ground fighting along the border has tapered off, although sporadic clashes continue, according to Reuters.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing has been mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in deescalating the situation.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that Chinese diplomats and special envoys have been in contact with officials in both countries to encourage talks. 

Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob said in a recent interview that Kabul did not seek to escalate the conflict and believed disputes with Pakistan could be resolved through negotiations.

Border violence has flared repeatedly in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of initiating attacks. Pakistani security officials have said their campaign aims to stop militant groups from launching attacks from Afghan territory.