China’s stance on Afghanistan-A step in the right direction

China’s position on Afghanistan emphasizes the importance of respecting Afghan sovereignty, supporting peace and reconstruction, combating terrorism, and promoting regional cooperation to address the challenges facing Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban takeover of the government in Afghanistan, the country had found itself isolated in the international and regional arena. To this date, the Taliban-backed government is not recognized by the international community, due to its hardline and gender-based policies. However, the first country to take the initiative in approaching Afghanistan has been China, in providing humanitarian aid (worth 200 million yuan) and diplomatic support. The Taliban, who were facing a humanitarian catastrophe and economic meltdown, welcomed Beijing’s prompt delivery of food and medical supplies.

Furthermore, China has also maintained direct communication with the Taliban administration, and both sides have met on several occasions, bilaterally and internationally, to discuss plans for Afghanistan reconstruction.

In December 2023, Afghanistan’s Taliban government announced that China had formally accepted its ambassador to Beijing, hailing the move as an “important chapter” in growing ties between the two neighboring countries. Moreover, China also was the first country to send a new ambassador to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover.

China has also been strengthening relations with Afghanistan, particularly for increasing its economic footprint– aimed at the expansion of regional economic integration and connectivity, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Taliban too regards Beijing as an important partner with economic prowess, and Beijing has proven itself to be a reliable partner with its sustained assistance.

Based on the current situation, below is an overview of China’s position on the Afghan issue.

1. Respect for Afghan Sovereignty: China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while refraining from interference in its internal affairs.
2. Support for Moderate Governance: China advocates for an open, inclusive, and moderate political structure in Afghanistan that respects the rights of all Afghan people, including women, children, and ethnic minorities.
3. Commitment to Peace and Reconstruction: China is committed to assisting Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts, including through economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and supports Afghanistan’s integration into regional economic cooperation and connectivity that will transform Afghanistan from a “land-locked country” to a “land-linked country”. 
4. Counter-Terrorism Efforts: China supports Afghanistan in countering terrorism, particularly against groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and calls for greater international cooperation in combating terrorism.
5. Multilateral Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: China advocates for enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation in addressing terrorism-related security challenges in Afghanistan and supports measures to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
6. Combatting Extremism and Separatism: China urges efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Afghanistan and calls for measures to address the root causes of these phenomena.
7. Expectations from the US: China urges the US to fulfill its commitments and responsibilities to Afghanistan, including lifting sanctions, returning Afghan overseas assets, and providing humanitarian aid.
8. Opposition to External Interference: China opposes external interference in Afghanistan and emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in supporting Afghanistan’s peace and stability.
9. Regional Coordination: China supports multilateral coordination efforts through various mechanisms and platforms to promote stability and assistance to Afghanistan at regional and international levels.
10. Humanitarian Assistance and Refugee Issues: China expresses concern about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and supports efforts to assist Afghan refugees, including through UN agencies and regional cooperation.
11. Combatting Narcotics: China supports Afghanistan’s efforts to combat narcotics production and trafficking and pledges to work with the international community to address the root causes of the drug trade in the region.

Overall, China’s position emphasizes the importance of respecting Afghan sovereignty, supporting peace and reconstruction, combating terrorism, and promoting regional cooperation to address Afghanistan’s challenges.

Source: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202304/t20230412_11057785.html