BEIJING: China on Friday defended Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, following President Donald Trump's accusation that Islamabad harbours militants attacking US and Afghan troops.

"The government and people of Pakistan have made huge sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and such efforts and sacrifices are there for everyone to see," Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said.

"The international community should recognise that... and give Pakistan the full credit it deserves," he added.

The remarks were made at a press briefing in Beijing following a meeting between Wang and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Asif on Friday said it is Pakistan's firm view that maintaining regional security is a "critical" priority and focus should remain on peaceful solutions.

He also thanked Beijing for its role in hosting a trilateral Afghanistan-China-Pakistan foreign ministers' forum, which is expected to take place before the end of this year.

Islamabad has repeatedly denied claims of being soft on militancy, accusing the United States of ignoring the thousands who have been killed in Pakistan and the billions spent fighting extremists.