New Delhi: In a major diplomatic manoeuvre, China has emerged as the pivotal external player actively working to de-escalate simmering tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
As Islamabad grapples with a concerning resurgence of cross-border attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Beijing has stepped into the role of mediator, urging both sides to mend their fractured relationship for the sake of vital regional stability.
A recent trilateral meeting of foreign ministers from China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in Beijing proved to be a turning point. Far more than a mere diplomatic formality, the talks effectively revived stalled dialogue and catalysed a potential breakthrough in relations.
With substantial vested interests in the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and peace along its own western borders, China leveraged its influence to press the Afghan Taliban for tangible commitments to address Pakistan’s pressing security concerns.
Beijing’s key successes included fostering an agreement for enhanced diplomatic engagement, notably marked by Pakistan appointing an ambassador to Kabul for the first time since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. Crucially, Chinese officials reportedly conveyed a firm message, reining in anti-Pakistan militant groups is non-negotiable if Kabul seeks continued economic and diplomatic support.
Responding to this pressure, senior Taliban commander Saeedullah Saeed issued a rare and carefully worded public warning. He declared that any act of jihad carried out without the explicit authorisation of the Amir (supreme leader) is illegitimate and constitutes “fasaad” (corruption) under Islamic law. “Only the Amir of the state has the authority to declare jihad — not individuals or groups,” Saeed asserted.
This statement is widely interpreted as a direct rebuke to TTP fighters and similar groups operating from Afghan territory, subtly acknowledging Beijing’s concerns over instability threatening its multibillion-dollar investments in the region.
China’s deep involvement stems from several strategic imperatives, which are safeguarding the 60 billion dollar CPEC and broader Belt and Road Initiative from militant threats, establishing Afghanistan as a strategic buffer against extremist spillover into its Xinjiang region, and seizing the opportunity to fill a diplomatic vacuum left by disengaged Western allies.
