Beijing on Tuesday called on Afghanistan to ensure the safety of its citizens following a deadly bombing at a restaurant in central Kabul that claimed at least seven lives, including a Chinese national.
China, which shares a rugged 76-kilometre border with Afghanistan, maintains close ties with the Taliban-led government. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had made urgent appeals to Afghan authorities, urging them to provide medical care for the injured and take immediate steps to safeguard Chinese citizens.
Six Afghan nationals were also killed in the blast at the Chinese Noodle restaurant in the Shahr-e-Naw district, according to Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran. The attack, claimed by the regional branch of the Islamic State group, was reportedly a suicide bombing aimed at Chinese patrons.
Five Chinese nationals were among those injured. Beijing warned its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan and advised those already in the country to heighten security awareness, strengthen precautions, and evacuate high-risk areas where possible.
Taliban officials have pledged to restore stability and security, seeking to attract foreign investors as international aid dwindles. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Chinese business activity in Afghanistan has increased, though the country has repeatedly faced attacks targeting Chinese nationals. A similar deadly assault on a Kabul hotel popular with Chinese visitors occurred the following year, also claimed by the Islamic State.
The latest bombing underscores ongoing security challenges in Kabul and raises fresh concerns about the protection of foreign nationals amid rising regional instability.
