BEIJING — Representatives of Pakistan and Afghanistan resumed China-mediated peace talks Wednesday in the city of Urumqi, in western China. The negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government are advancing, according to a spokesperson, after weeks of fighting between the two countries that killed hundreds of people.

The Chinese government is serving as mediator in the discussions. A spokesperson said China has been promoting dialogue through multiple channels and at various levels, working to create conditions and provide platforms for the two sides to engage in direct talks. The three parties have reached a consensus on a specific operational mode for the negotiations, including arrangements for media coverage, the spokesperson said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed Wednesday that the discussions were progressing. "The consultation process is being steadily implemented and advanced," Mao said. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have indicated they welcome China's mediation efforts and are willing to resume negotiations, according to a spokesperson.

The resumption of talks comes after fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified in February, when Afghanistan's Taliban government said Pakistan launched strikes in Kabul and several other areas, causing mostly civilian casualties. Pakistan has said it targeted hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group known as the TTP, during those operations. Pakistan has also said it is in open war with Afghanistan.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing a safe haven to TTP fighters who carry out attacks inside Pakistani territory. The Afghan government in Kabul denies supporting the militant group. Pakistan has experienced increased attacks in recent years, many of which were claimed by the TTP.

The TTP is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in 2021 after U.S.-led troops withdrew from the country.