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China says ready to establish ‘friendly, cooperative ties’ with Afghanistan under Taliban

Monday, 16 August 2021 5:44 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 16 August 2021 6:00 PM ]

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying

China says it is ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing on Monday that China welcomed the chance to deepen ties with Afghanistan.

"We welcome this. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan."

Hua called on the Taliban to "ensure a smooth transition" of power and keep its promises to negotiate the establishment of an inclusive government and ensure the safety of Afghans and foreign citizens.

"The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," she said.

Elsewhere in her remarks, Hua said China’s embassy in Kabul remains operational.

In a statement Monday, the embassy told Chinese citizens remaining in Afghanistan to "pay close attention to the security situation" and stay indoors.

But Beijing began evacuating Chinese citizens from the country months ago amid the deteriorating security situation.

The Taliban laid siege to Kabul on Sunday, forcing the sitting Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani, to flee to an undisclosed location.

Chaos and killings at Kabul airport: US forces open fire as Afghans mob tarmac

At least three people have been killed by gunfire at the passenger terminal of Kabul

Ghani left Afghanistan when the Taliban entered Kabul virtually unopposed, and said he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

The unfolding events have led to chaos and confusion, with thousands of Afghan civilians and diplomats swarming Kabul airport to take evacuation flights.

Beijing in recent months had stepped up diplomatic engagement in Afghanistan following the drawdown of US-led troops.

Zarif holds talks with Chinese envoy over developments in Afghanistan

The meeting between Zarif and Yong came less than 24 hours after the Taliban laid siege to Kabul, forcing the sitting Afghan president Ashraf Ghani to flee to an undisclosed location.

A top-level Taliban delegation met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin last month, promising that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militants. In exchange, China, which shares a rugged 76-kilometer border with Afghanistan, offered economic support and investment for the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

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