By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to hold dialogue and consultation after the two neighboring nations engaged in one of the deadliest border tensions.
“Recently, conflicts have occurred between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to tense relations, which we are deeply concerned about,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.
China, he added, "sincerely hopes that both sides will focus on the broader picture, remain calm and restrained, adhere to resolving mutual concerns through dialogue and consultation, avoid escalating conflicts, and jointly maintain peace and stability in both countries and the region,” according to Beijing-based Global Times.
Lin said China "is willing to continue playing a constructive role in improving and developing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations."