China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their disputes through dialogue and consultation, warning that the continued use of force could worsen tensions and threaten regional stability.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a phone call with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry on Friday.

During the conversation, Wang stressed that the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan can only be resolved through dialogue and consultation, not military action.

He urged both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, and hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, adding that an immediate ceasefire is essential to prevent the situation from escalating further.

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According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang warned that the further use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify tensions, ultimately harming both countries and undermining peace and stability across the region.

Fresh escalation in conflict

China’s statement came after Pakistan reportedly bombed a fuel depot belonging to private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport on Friday, marking a sharp escalation in the worst confrontation between the two neighbors in years.

The incident has heightened concerns about a broader regional crisis despite Beijing’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two countries.

Afghanistan thanks China for mediation

During the call, Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi thanked China for its active role in trying to mediate the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He noted that the Afghan people, who have endured decades of conflict, value opportunities for peace and development.

Muttaqi also emphasized that Afghanistan wants to become a source of regional peace rather than instability and reaffirmed that Afghan territory will not be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

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The Afghan minister said his country does not want military confrontation with any nation and hopes to build mutual trust and friendly coexistence with its neighbors.

He added that dialogue and consultation remain the only viable path to resolving disputes, expressing hope that China, as a major power and friendly neighbor, will play a greater role in facilitating peace.

China highlights importance of regional unity

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that countries in the region must strengthen unity and cooperation as the international environment becomes increasingly volatile.

He described Afghanistan and Pakistan as “inseparable brothers and neighbors that cannot be moved away from each other.”

China, he said, has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance regarding tensions between the two countries.

Wang also revealed that China’s special envoy on Afghan affairs is currently shuttling between Afghanistan and Pakistan in an effort to help mediate and reduce tensions.

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He reiterated Beijing’s hope that both countries will engage in direct dialogue, agree to a ceasefire quickly, and resolve their differences through diplomatic means.

Discussion also covers Iran situation

During the call, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the situation in Iran.

Wang reaffirmed China’s principled position on the issue, stating that Beijing is ready to work with the international community — including Afghanistan — to play a constructive role in promoting peace in Iran.

China, he said, remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining stability across the region.