China Mediates Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Deal

China successfully mediated peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi, leading to an agreement not to escalate their ongoing cross-border conflict. The two nations also committed to exploring a comprehensive solution to their issues, with a focus on addressing terrorism. The conflict, which began in February, had resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced 94,000 people, with 100,000 more cut off near the border. Pakistan had declared 'open war' and conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, while Afghanistan accused Pakistan of shelling. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a charge denied by the Afghan Taliban government. China will continue to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.