China urges Afghanistan, Pakistan to resolve tensions via talks, not force

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in a phone call that disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, not force.



Wang urged both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint, hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, seek an immediate ceasefire and address differences through dialogue.



Further use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify tensions, Mr Wang added.



The ministry's statement came after Pakistan on March 13 bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Afghanistan’s Kandahar airport, stepping up the neighbours’ worst conflict in years, despite China’s efforts to mediate.



Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the situation in Iran.



According to the statement, Wang told Muttaqi that Beijing is willing to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to bring peace to Iran.