China calls for greater international support for Afghanistan, but tells Taliban world has ‘some expectations’ on progress
- Beijing uses second anniversary of Taliban takeover to appeal to international community to step up counterterrorist efforts and engagements
- Foreign ministry also urges regime to ‘take active steps’ and ‘improve its response’ in areas such as women’s rights
China has urged the international community to step up support for Afghanistan and work with it to combat terrorism on the second anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.
“It is necessary for the international community to strengthen bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism security cooperation and to support Afghanistan in its comprehensive approach … to achieve lasting peace, stability and development at an early date,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a scheduled press conference on Tuesday.
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He also urged the international community to recognise the efforts the Taliban had made, saying: “The interim government in Afghanistan has taken a series of pragmatic measures, which the outside world should view objectively and fairly.
“It has been seen to promote economic recovery, safeguard people’s livelihood, prohibit drugs, combat corruption, and improve security.”
But he also said that the international community has “some expectations” such as the protection of women and ethnic minorities, as well as a more inclusive government system.
“We hope the interim government of Afghanistan will take active steps and improve its response to the Afghan people and the international community,” Wang said.
