China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan
An army soldier stands guard at a deserted entry point at the Friendship Gate, following the exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, at the border crossing between the two countries, in Chaman, Pakistan February 27, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Abdul Khaliq Achakzai
Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are advancing steadily, China said on Friday, following reports that the neighbours were meeting there to try to end their worst conflict since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
China, which shares a western border with both nations, has been trying to mediate between the allies turned foes, holding telephone calls with their foreign ministers and sending a special envoy on visits in March.
"Both Pakistan and Afghanistan attach importance to, and welcome, China's mediation, and are willing to sit down for talks again, which is a positive development," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press conference.
#FMsays China has been mediating Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks, with consultations progressing steadily, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday, adding that both Pakistan and Afghanistan value and welcome China's mediation efforts. #Afghanistan #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/EBLwhHuhqj
Since the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict escalated, China has made mediation efforts in "its own way, maintained close communication with both sides via multiple channels and at multiple levels, and created conditions and provided platforms for dialogue between the two sides", Mao said.
Read More: Pakistan, Afghanistan officials meet in Urumqi for China-brokered talks: sources
Mao did not say where the talks were being held, though the neighbours have previously said they were in the northwestern city of Urumqi.
China has been mediating and promoting talks, in close communication with both sides to build suitable conditions and provide a platform, Mao said, adding that the three countries would issue further information in due course.
The fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan that started in October has killed scores of people on both sides, with Afghans taking the brunt.
Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring militants who launch attacks in Pakistan, although Kabul denies this, calling the militancy its neighbour's domestic problem.
The two sides had agreed to a week-long ceasefire on the eve of Eidul Fitr on March 18, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.