China said it supports dialogue between the Taliban and Pakistan and would continue to play a “constructive role” in efforts to reduce tensions between the two sides.
Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said at a regular news briefing on Thursday that Beijing has consistently encouraged both sides to resolve their differences through talks. She added that China has actively sought to facilitate engagement between them.
Asked about reports of negotiations in China aimed at securing a ceasefire, Mao said there was no specific information to share.
China, which borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan, has urged the two sides to settle disputes through dialogue and maintain regional stability.
The comments came as the Taliban confirmed that a mid-level delegation had been sent to the western Chinese city of Urumqi for talks with Pakistani officials. In a statement, the Taliban said the discussions would address a range of issues, including security, trade and broader bilateral relations.
The Taliban said their delegation would take part with a “balanced and principled approach,” seeking to promote good neighborly ties and address security challenges through what it described as “comprehensive and responsible” talks. The meetings, the statement said, were being held at China’s request and based on mutual respect.
Pakistan has taken a more conditional stance. Tahir Andrabi, a spokesman for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed that a delegation had traveled to China and said that meaningful progress would depend on steps taken by the Taliban.
He said the talks were part of Pakistan’s longstanding policy to address security threats and called for “visible and verifiable” action against militant groups that Islamabad says operate from Afghanistan’s territory.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of failing to curb Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, a militant group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban deny that the group operates from Afghanistan, although a United Nations monitoring team has estimated it has around 6,000 fighters there.
Taliban-affiliated media reported that a five-member delegation is representing the Taliban in the talks.
The diplomatic efforts come amid continued tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Earlier this week, a meeting in Peshawar described as a joint peace jirga called for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue, but no participants attended on behalf of Afghanistan, according to people familiar with the gathering.
