Chinese Envoy Reaffirms Respect For Afghanistan’s Sovereignty
A senior Chinese diplomat has reaffirmed Beijing’s respect for Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity during a meeting with the Taliban’s ambassador to China.
A senior Chinese diplomat has reaffirmed Beijing’s respect for Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity during a meeting with the Taliban’s ambassador to China.
Liu Jinsong, director-general of the Asian affairs department at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries highlights a history of friendly and peaceful relations.
According to a statement from the Taliban embassy in Beijing, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic and trade cooperation, expanding consular services, and other key issues.
Taliban Ambassador Bilal Karimi praised the historic relationship between Afghanistan and China and thanked Beijing for its humanitarian assistance to families affected by recent earthquakes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces.
The meeting comes amid growing concern in China and neighbouring countries over possible US efforts to re-establish a military presence in Afghanistan. On Thursday, the foreign ministers of Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan, meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, warned that any new US base in Afghanistan would threaten regional security and stability.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Washington’s troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and has said the United States will return to Bagram Air Base. The Taliban, in response, have vowed to reject any renewed US military presence. It remains unclear, however, whether the group would enter negotiations with Washington.
