The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has expressed concerned comments on the development of the war between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday, urging both countries to reach a ceasefire at the earliest.

Mao gave the comments at a regular news briefing following the eruption of clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Thursday.

“China is keenly following up on the developments of the situation. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are not only inseparable neighbours to each other but also neighbouring nations of China,” Mao said.

Lamenting about the number of people who had died due to the war, Mao remarked that this episode of war is more severe than the previous ones, and that any extension or increase in war will only bring more loss and casualties on both fronts.

After observing that China was in full support of the war against terrorism in all its manifestations, she urged both sides to calm down, exercise restraint, and ensure that there is a proper resolution of their differences through dialogue and negotiation.

China urges both parties to stop fighting as soon as possible in order to prevent the people from tremendous suffering, which is in the best interest of both nations and their people, and in itself helpful to preserve peace and stability in the region, added China.

China has been acting as a mediator in the Pakistani-Afghanistan dispute through its own mediums and Mao said that it was ready to play a constructive role in calming down tensions and enhancing relations between the two nations.

Mao also indicated that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan are undertaking the same, stating that China has encouraged the two nations to provide the safety of Chinese nationals, projects and establishments.