China’s message to Taliban: ‘Implement moderate policies’

Beijing: China said Afghanistan’s Taliban will need to introduce political reforms, improve security and mend relations with its neighbors before it receives full diplomatic recognition from Beijing which does not formally recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers. Despite this, both countries have host each others’ ambassadors and maintained diplomatic engagement.

Whether China would now recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said as per news agency AFP, “China has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. We hope that Afghanistan will further respond to the expectations of the international community, build an open and inclusive political structure (and) implement moderate and stable domestic and foreign policies.”

China urges Kabul to “resolutely combat all types of terrorist forces, live in harmony with all countries around the world, especially neighboring countries, and integrate with the international community at an early date,” he said, adding, “As the concerns of all parties receive stronger responses, diplomatic recognition of the Afghan government will naturally follow.”

The Taliban has not been officially recognized by any country since it seized power after the withdrawal of US troops in August 2021. However, Kabul and Beijing have maintained some ties.

Image courtesy of X@globaltimesnews