China's mediation efforts, including a message from President Xi Jinping, have helped ease the worst fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to Pakistani government officials. The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reportedly received a directive from Xi to cease hostilities. Ground fighting along the 2,600-km border has reportedly decreased, although daily clashes continue. Pakistan launched air strikes on Afghanistan on February 26, accusing the Taliban of providing a safe haven to militants in Pakistan. However, Kabul denies this accusation and calls militancy in Pakistan an internal issue. China has been in contact with both countries about ending hostilities, but a spokesman for Prime Minister Sharif has not commented on this.