Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to avoid escalation: China

China said Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed not to escalate their conflict and to "explore a comprehensive solution” after several weeks of cross-border fighting that left hundreds of people killed. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press briefing on Wednesday that China hosted peace talks in Urumqi, Xinjiang, from April 1-7. Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan "engaged in frank and pragmatic discussions in a positive atmosphere", she said. Beijing emphasised that terrorism is a core issue affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, the spokeswoman said. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, which the Afghan government denies. "The three parties agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the issues in the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and clarified the core and priority issues that need to be addressed," Mao said. She said China ⁠would continue to communicate with both countries and provide a platform for dialogue. Hostilities escalated sharply at the end of February, when Pakistani airstrikes were followed by an Afghan ground offensive, with Islamabad declaring an "open war". The United Nations said the conflict had displaced 94,000 people overall, while 100,000 people in two Afghan districts near the border have been completely cut off by the fighting since February. (Xinhua & agencies) Edited by Edmond Fong