China calls for probe after Kabul restaurant blast

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China has asked Afghan authorities to spare no effort in treating the wounded.

In response to the incident, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged its nationals to immediately leave dangerous areas of Afghanistan. The spokesperson also advised that Chinese citizens should not travel to Afghanistan in the near future, citing ongoing security risks.

Call for stronger protection of projects

China emphasized the need for effective security measures to protect Chinese citizens, investments, and ongoing projects in Afghanistan. 

Also Read: Islamic State claims deadly Kabul blast targeting Chinese nationals

Guo Jiakun said China has requested the Afghan government to take all possible steps to ensure safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Afghanistan urged to investigate attack

Beijing has also called on Afghan authorities to thoroughly investigate the blast and hold those responsible accountable.

China reiterated its expectation that Afghanistan would strengthen security arrangements, particularly around areas linked to foreign nationals and infrastructure projects.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it remains in close contact with Afghan authorities as the situation develops. Officials stressed that protecting the lives and interests of Chinese citizens abroad remains a top priority for Beijing.

Meanwhile, the militant Islamic State group claimed the explosion that officials said killed a Chinese national and six Afghans, while injuring several more as it tore through a Chinese-run restaurant in a heavily guarded part of Afghanistan's capital.

Monday's blast took place in the commercial Shahr-e-Naw area that is home to offices, shopping complexes and embassies, police spokesperson Khalid Zadran said. It is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city.

The Afghan branch of Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility, saying in a statement it was carried out by a suicide bomber. 

Also Read: Explosion rocks Kabul: Multiple casualties reported

The restaurant serving the Chinese Muslim community was jointly run by a Chinese Muslim man, Abdul Majid, his wife, and an Afghan partner, Abdul Jabbar Mahmood, Zadran said.

"The nature of the explosion is unknown so far and is being investigated," he said.

A Chinese national, identified only as Ayub, and six Afghans were killed in the blast near the restaurant's kitchen, while several others were injured, Zadran added.

The Amaq news agency said the domestic arm of Islamic State had put Chinese citizens on its list of targets, citing "growing crimes by the Chinese government against Uyghurs".