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BEIJING, Oct 13 – China is concerned about recent\u00a0clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan<\/a>\u00a0and has asked the two countries to protect its nationals and investments in the region, Beijing’s foreign ministry said on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dozens of fighters were killed<\/a> in overnight border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, both sides said on Sunday, in the most serious fighting between the neighbours since the Taliban came to power in Kabul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n China shares a border with Afghanistan and Pakistan in its western region and has sought to play a mediating role in calming hostilities between the two sides, who were allies until recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in improving and developing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beijing hopes that Kabul and Islamabad will “remain calm and restrained, and persist in properly resolving each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation to avoid escalation of conflicts,” Lin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In August, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a meeting with Pakistani and Afghan counterparts<\/a> in Kabul, calling for strengthening exchanges at all levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n