- The Taliban said on Friday that China has pledged to keep its embassy in Afghanistan open.
- Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid called China this week the country’s “most important partner”.
- China criticized the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as “hastily.”
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The Taliban said on Friday that China has pledged to keep its embassy in Afghanistan open and to “strengthen” relations with this war-torn country. The U.S. military left this week after nearly 20 years of military presence. According to a report by the Guardian.
Islamic militia spokesperson Sohail Shahin said that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao informed a senior member of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar that Beijing is seeking to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Shahin said: “The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister stated that they will keep the embassy in Kabul and added that our relationship will be stronger than in the past.” “Afghanistan can play an important role in the security and development of the region. “
He added: “China will continue and increase humanitarian assistance, especially in the treatment of Covid-19.”
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid talked about potential Chinese investment in Afghanistan on Thursday.
“China is our most important partner. It is an important and extraordinary opportunity for us because it is ready to invest [in] And rebuild our country,” according to South China Morning Post.
After the capital Kabul was occupied by the Taliban on August 15, the task of the Islamic militia is now to transform from a rebellion to a dominant force.
China last month criticized the United States for “hurriedly withdrawing troops” from Afghanistan, but said that the country is willing to communicate with leaders in Washington to help withstand the humanitarian crisis.
According to a report by China’s state television station CCTV, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Brinken that “Solving problems with force and military means will only increase problems.”
He added: “The lessons of this matter are worthy of serious reflection…. The United States cannot actively seek to contain and suppress China and harm China’s legitimate rights and interests on the one hand, and on the other hand place hopes on China’s cooperation.”
The Chinese Embassy in Kabul is still open, but due to changes in the country a few months ago, the country evacuated Chinese citizens from Afghanistan.
