A Chinese foreign ministry Spokesperson on Tuesday called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to continue handling their differences through dialogue and consultation, promote the de-escalation of the situation, and work together to maintain regional peace and stability.

In response to a question during his regular briefing about the exchange of fire between Afghan and Pakistani forces on Dec. 5, Guo Jiakun said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are both long-standing friendly neighbours of China, and they are also neighbours that cannot move away from each other.

China is willing to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in improving and developing relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Guo said.