China has demanded that Afghanistan take urgent measures to protect Chinese nationals following a suicide bombing at a restaurant in Kabul that killed at least seven people, including a Chinese citizen. A foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, said Beijing had made urgent representations with the Afghan side, urging authorities to treat the injured and enhance security for Chinese citizens.

Six Afghan nationals were also killed in the attack, which targeted the Chinese Noodle restaurant in the Shahr-e-Naw area of central Kabul.

The blast was claimed by the regional branch of the Islamic State group, which reportedly aimed at Chinese patrons. Chinese authorities confirmed that five nationals were wounded and warned citizens against travelling to Afghanistan, advising those already in the country to strengthen security measures and evacuate high-risk areas.

Taliban officials reiterated their commitment to restoring security while seeking to attract foreign investment amid declining aid, noting that Chinese business visitors have increasingly frequented Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.