China's Quiet Push to Calm Pakistan-Afghanistan Friction

China is using discreet, behind-the-scenes talks to try to ease rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This low-key style avoids public diplomacy and high-profile meetings. The approach focuses on private facilitation. Beijing prefers this to brokering dramatic public deals. The tensions stem from a sharp increase in cross-border attacks. Pakistan claims militants operate from Afghan soil. Afghanistan’s Taliban government denies this. Regional stability is a key interest for China. It has major economic projects in Pakistan and seeks to prevent conflict from spilling into the region. Analysts say China’s quiet mediation may create space for dialogue. However, deep-seated issues between the neighbors remain a significant challenge.