China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) welcomed the recent decision by Pakistan and Afghanistan to upgrade diplomatic relations, following a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers last month.
The move changed representatives stationed in either country from ‘charge d’affaires’ to ‘ambassador’. The announcement had been described by the Chinese MFA as “an important and positive move”.
The statement further added that “China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” underlining Beijing’s ongoing interest in fostering regional cooperation and stability.
Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan had been constrained in recent months. Islamabad has accused armed groups operating from Afghan soil, specifically the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, of carrying out deadly cross-border attacks.
Since the withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan and the Taliban taking power, Pakistan has experienced a rise in TTP-led attacks which it believes are being facilitated by sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
Tensions escalated further in April when Pakistan launched a major campaign to forcibly repatriate Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades. The mass returns have placed considerable pressure on Afghanistan’s border provinces and displaced communities already struggling under an economic and humanitarian crisis. According to estimates, at least 60,000 Afghans crossed into Afghanistan during the campaign.
Only a handful of countries, including China, have agreed to host ambassadors from the Taliban government since it returned to power in 2021, though no state has formally recognised the administration.
Pakistan has now become the fourth country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul, following China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. Last month, Russia also announced plans to accredit a Taliban ambassador, shortly after removing the group’s designation as a "terrorist" organisation.
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