China seeks to mediate after Pakistan declares ‘open war’ on Afghanistan

China has stepped in to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan following an escalation of their conflict, urging both sides to end the fighting and settle their disputes through dialogue.This comes after Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan on Friday, including the capital Kabul, and declared “open war” with its neighbour after months of deadly clashes.Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday that as a neighbour and a friend to both countries, China was closely following developments. She added that Beijing was deeply concerned about the escalation and saddened by the casualties.“China has been working for mediation on the conflict via its own channels, and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalation and the improvement of bilateral ties,” Mao said.Mao added that the Chinese foreign ministry and embassies in both countries were working to address the conflict.“China supports combating all forms of terrorism and calls on the two sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, properly settle differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation, end the fighting at an early date, and avoid more suffering for the people,” Mao said.