China calls on Pakistan, Afghanistan to reach ceasefire

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and urges both sides to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing after clashes broke out along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Thursday.

"China is closely watching the developments of the situation. Pakistan and Afghanistan are inseparable neighbors to each other, and both are also China's neighboring countries," Mao said.

Expressing great sorrow over the casualties caused by the conflict, Mao said this round of fighting is more intense than before, and that any prolongation or escalation will inflict even more harm and losses on both sides.

Noting that China supports the fight against terrorism in all its forms, she called on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint, and properly resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation.

China calls on both sides to achieve a ceasefire as quickly as possible to avoid causing immense suffering to the people, which serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, and is also conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability, she added.

Mao said China has been mediating in the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict via its own channels and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and improving relations between these two countries.

Mao also said that the Chinese foreign ministry and the Chinese embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan are actively working on this matter, adding that China has urged both countries to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions. ■