China Expresses Optimism on Progress in Islamic Emirate-Pakistan Negotiations

BEIJING (Afghan Verified) — China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed optimism about progress in negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are being mediated by Beijing in Urumqi.

The talks, which began on Thursday according to one report, aim to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and reopen borders for trade following cross-border clashes that erupted last October. Those conflicts have killed dozens of people, mostly Afghans.

Pakistan has accused the Islamic Emirate of sheltering militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge the Islamic Emirate rejects, describing it as Pakistan's internal affair. The Islamic Emirate has also claimed ongoing Pakistani artillery attacks on its eastern provinces.

Mao Ning told reporters that China has maintained close contact with both sides through its special envoy and provided a platform for dialogue. "The negotiations are progressing positively," she said.

Pakistan has demanded written guarantees from the Islamic Emirate as part of the peace process, according to reports. Previous attempts at talks in Doha, Istanbul and Riyadh reportedly failed in part due to the Islamic Emirate's refusal to provide written commitments.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahereh Andarabi accused the Islamic Emirate of breaching the Doha agreement. Observers and former diplomat Aseef Durrani suggested Pakistan participated under Chinese pressure.

The Islamic Emirate's Foreign Ministry stated it is engaging with a balanced and principled stance to promote good neighborliness, trade and security.

China's involvement is driven by its economic interests, including the Belt and Road Initiative.