Beijing calls for calm and ceasefire after Pakistan air strikes hit a Kabul drug centre, killing at least 400 people and wounding 200 more.

BEIJING: China has called for “calm and restraint” between Pakistan and Afghanistan following deadly air strikes in Kabul.

The strikes hit a drug rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital, killing at least 400 people and wounding more than 200 according to the Afghan health ministry.

Afghanistan accused Pakistan of targeting the treatment centre, though Islamabad denied deliberately striking civilians.

The Pakistani military has conducted several strikes on Kabul in recent weeks amid a conflict over claims the Taliban harbours extremists.

China’s foreign ministry urged both nations to “swiftly implement a ceasefire” and resolve differences through dialogue.

Spokesman Lin Jian stated “dialogue and negotiation constitute the only effective means of resolving issues between the two countries.”

Pakistan is a key regional partner for China, which also describes itself as a “friendly neighbour” of Afghanistan.

A Chinese special envoy recently spent a week mediating between the two countries.

Beijing pledged to “continue to leverage its own channels to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions.”

 The Sun Malaysia