China says the Afghan Taliban must reform before full diplomatic relations

BEIJING:

China said on Tuesday that Afghanistan’s Taliban government would need to introduce political reforms, improve security and mend relations with its neighbors before receiving full diplomatic recognition.

Beijing does not officially recognize the leaders of the Afghan Taliban, although both countries host each other’s ambassadors and have maintained diplomatic engagement.

“China has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday when asked if China would now recognize the Taliban government.

“We hope that Afghanistan will further meet the expectations of the international community, build an open and inclusive political structure (and) implement a moderate and stable domestic and foreign policy,” he said.

Wang also said China urged Kabul to “resolutely combat all types of terrorist forces, live in harmony with all countries around the world, especially neighboring countries, and integrate into the international community in a timely manner.”

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“As the concerns of all parties receive stronger responses, diplomatic recognition of the Afghan government will naturally follow,” he said.

The Taliban government has not been officially recognized by any country since it took power after the chaotic withdrawal of US troops in August 2021.

However, Kabul and Beijing maintained some ties.

Afghanistan’s new leaders have promised that the country will not be used as a base for militants and, in return, China has offered financial support and investment for reconstruction.

China’s foreign ministry said in a position paper on Afghanistan released this year that it “respects the independent choices of the Afghan people and respects religious beliefs and national customs.”