China deeply concerned about Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: spokeswoman

China

China deeply concerned about Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: spokeswoman

2026-02-27 16:24 Last Updated At：20:17

China is deeply concerned about the escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and calls on both sides to remain calm and restrained, properly resolve it through dialogue, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Friday.

According to security source, Pakistan conducted airstrikes as part of the Operation Ghazab Lil Haq (Wrath of Justice), which was launched after Afghan Taliban started attacks on Pakistani posts at the border on Thursday evening.

According to Afghan media, the eastern Afghan provinces of Khost, Kunar and Nangarhar, which border Pakistan, have all experienced intermittent exchanges of fire over the past several days.

"China is closely monitoring the situation. Pakistan and Afghanistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors, and both are China's neighbors. As a neighboring country and friend, China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict and deeply saddened by the casualties caused. The intensity of this round of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan exceeds that of previous ones, and its continuation or escalation will bring harm and losses to both sides. China supports the fight against terrorism in all its forms and calls on both sides to remain calm and restrained, properly resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed. This is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their people, and is also conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability. China has been mediating the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan through its own channels and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and improving relations between the two countries," said Mao, at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

"The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan are working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter. China has also requested that both countries ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens in need," said Mao.

Eastern corridor of China-Europe freight train service witnesses over 1,000 trips in 2026

As of Feb. 26, 2026, the eastern corridor of the China-Europe freight train network has witnessed more than 1,000 train trips on its railway lines this year, breaking the mark 26 days earlier than last year.

Cargo throughput surpassed 100,000 TEUs, with train trips and freight volume rising 48.4 percent and 43.2 percent year on year, respectively.

The eastern corridor consists of three railway ports including Manzhouli, Suifenhe and Tongjiang. The number of operating routes has expanded to 27, linking over 60 Chinese cities with 14 European countries.

To cope with surging cross-border demand, railway authorities have deployed "smart border port" systems and strengthened coordination with customs and border inspection agencies. Clearance procedures have been streamlined to under 30 minutes, boosting overall transport efficiency by around 10 percent.

At Manzhouli Station, operations are running at full capacity.

"We can handle 16 freight trains in 24 hours, totaling over 900 containers. All our six devices run in full capacity every day. Staff work in shifts while equipment runs non-stop. We are committed to keeping processing time for each train within two hours to ensure timely departures," said Yang Liang, a worker from Manzhouli station.