China Pushes Pak-Afghan Direct Talks as Border Fighting Escalates

• China calls for direct talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to end their armed conflict.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistani and Afghan FMs for a ceasefire in telephonic talks.
• Clashes escalated with Pakistan conducting strikes in Kandahar and Afghanistan retaliating, claiming 14 Pakistani military personnel killed.
• Afghanistan denies hosting Pakistani militant groups; Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada urged non-interference in internal affairs.
• Chinese special envoy Yue Xiaoyong is mediating; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye also previously attempted mediation.