Pakistan and Afghanistan have opened a new round of talks in China to end the deadliest fighting between the two Muslim nations since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The talks will focus on a potential ceasefire and on the reopening of border crossings to allow trade and travel. Both sides have accused the Taliban of harbouring and supporting Islamist militants in Pakistan, which they deny. This comes after a temporary ceasefire was announced for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr and was requested by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, which ended last week following an attack from the Afghan side. The Chinese initiative for these discussions is reportedly a Chinese initiative.