China and Pakistan have agreed to work with the international community to encourage Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to establish an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, and play a constructive role in supporting Afghanistan’s sustainable development and integration into the international community.
The commitment was made in a joint statement issued following the seventh round of the China–Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing on Sunday.
According to the statement, the foreign ministers of the two countries said they would cooperate with the international community to encourage the Taliban to focus on development, pursue good neighbourly relations, and contribute positively to regional stability.
China and Pakistan also agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on Afghanistan, underlining the country’s importance to regional peace and security.
The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations operating in Afghanistan, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used to launch attacks against other countries.
They warned that militant groups based in Afghanistan continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security, and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
While China maintains close relations with the Taliban, Pakistan’s relationship with the group has been increasingly strained.
Beijing has sought to mediate between Islamabad and the Taliban over the past year in an effort to reduce tensions and improve relations between the two sides.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of harbouring Pakistani militants, saying armed groups use Afghan soil to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has specifically urged the Taliban to take action against groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Taliban have denied the presence of such groups in Afghanistan, insisting that the TTP is an internal matter for Pakistan.
