Pakistan and China have intensified diplomatic efforts to address escalating security concerns and growing cross-border tensions linked to militant threats in Afghanistan. On Thursday, December 11, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, met China’s Special Envoy to Kabul, Yue Xiaoyong, to discuss emerging regional security challenges originating from Afghan territory.
According to Sadiq, the meeting focused on the activities of armed groups allegedly operating from Afghanistan and posing cross-border risks. He emphasized that the discussions reflected a shared understanding between Pakistan and China on the need for enhanced cooperation to confront terrorism and stabilize the region.
Sadiq noted that Yue Xiaoyong’s visit forms part of regular consultations between Islamabad and Beijing on counter-terrorism coordination. Both countries have repeatedly urged the Taliban authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan soil as a launchpad for attacks in neighboring states.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid a marked escalation in tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban in recent months. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan-based fighters of carrying out deadly attacks across the Durand Line, while the Taliban has denied the allegations and criticized Pakistan for alleged violations of Afghan territory, including shelling and cross-border operations.
Recent border clashes, rising casualties, and hardening rhetoric have deepened mistrust between the two sides. Pakistan has warned of taking stronger measures should the security situation deteriorate further, while the Taliban insists that Islamabad respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Regional actors, including China and the European Union, have intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from spiraling into a broader crisis. Analysts warn that without meaningful dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul, the security standoff could escalate further, posing risks to regional stability.
The meeting in Kabul highlights the growing role of multilateral diplomacy in addressing Afghanistan’s security challenges and underscores the importance of sustained engagement by regional powers to prevent cross-border tensions from undermining peace and stability.
