China wary of border spillover, urges calm after deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes

Beijing ‘deeply concerned’ as renewed attacks may jeopardise Chinese personnel and projects in the region

Reading Time:3 minutes

Despite the outbreak of fierce fighting between Pakistani forces and the Taliban in recent days, analysts suggest the conflict is manageable in the short term, even as its underlying causes remain unresolved. Photo: EPA

Published: 9:00am, 15 Oct 2025Updated: 5:13pm, 15 Oct 2025

Beijing has called for de-escalation following the deadliest border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2021, saying it is “deeply concerned” about the hostilities.

Analysts suggested the conflict remained manageable but warned that flaring tensions could jeopardise regional stability.

“China sincerely hopes that both countries will prioritise the bigger picture, exercise calm and restraint, and resolve their concerns through dialogue and consultation to avoid further conflict,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

He added that China was ready to “continue playing a constructive role” in improving bilateral ties and called on both sides to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the region.

Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated last week after their forces exchanged fire at various points along their border, marking some of the worst firefights since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

In what it called “an act of retaliation” for Pakistani air strikes last Thursday, the Taliban claimed on Sunday to have killed 58 Pakistani military personnel while its forces suffered nine casualties.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x