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China hints at recognising Taliban as legitimate Afghanistan government ‘when conditions are ripe’
- After two-day meeting, Wang Yi says ‘Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community and should not become a failed country’
- Beijing has yet to declare recognition of the Taliban, but it is among the first nations to establish communication with the resurgent group
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Beijing has given strong backing to the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying recognition of the group as the legitimate government of the war-torn nation would come “when conditions are ripe”.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered the promise of endorsement at the end of a two-day meeting on Afghanistan affairs on Thursday, when Afghanistan’s foreign minister hit out at the United States for undermining his country’s political and economic sovereignty.
Wrapping up the meeting in Anhui province – which was also attended by officials from Russia, the US and several countries neighbouring Afghanistan – Wang said Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community and should not become a failed country.
“Afghanistan has been suffering from war for many years and has fallen behind the pace of world development. This situation should not continue,” Wang was quoted as saying in a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Wang said the interim government of Afghanistan had shown a positive attitude towards engaging with other nations, but its neighbouring countries expected more progress on combating terrorism, reconciliation among ethnic groups, an inclusive government and protection of the rights of women and children.
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