China calls for de-escalation in border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan

A major border conflict has erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan after Islamabad launched air strikes that hit the Afghan capital Kabul on October 9, 2025. Pakistan has not officially acknowledged the air strikes, but the tension has sparked the deadliest fighting between the two sides since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. China, which holds important economic interests in Pakistan, has called for de-escalation, saying it is “deeply concerned” about the hostilities.