Country's Relations With Taliban Have Entered New Phase, Says Chinese Ambassador

Zhao Xing, China's ambassador to Kabul on Monday said at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and China that Beijing does not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs.

Xing added that the relations between the two countries have now entered a new phase.

On Monday, Taliban-controlled national television broadcast the remarks of the Chinese ambassador, who gave a speech on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and China.

In his speech, the Chinese ambassador said, "At present, China-Afghanistan friendly relations have entered a new phase. China has always been a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan and has supported Afghanistan's development, peace and stability."

"China is committed to friendly relations with Afghanistan and respects Afghanistan's independence and territorial integrity," he added.

The Chinese ambassador added that his country respects the independent choice of the Afghan people, the country's national ceremonies and religious beliefs, and does not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs and does not pursue personal interests.

He also said that China has supported Afghanistan at the United Nations and in addition to calling for increased humanitarian aid, it has also taken a position on the lifting of sanctions and the release of Afghanistan's frozen funds.

China interacts with the Taliban, and both sides have accepted each other's ambassadors, however, China has not yet recognised the Taliban.

At the same ceremony, Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister, said that "China has firmly supported the struggles and jihad of Afghans against the occupation of the former Soviet Union and the United States".

"China is the only neighbour that has not had any border dispute with Afghanistan so far," he added. Stanekzai stressed that Afghan soil will not be used against any neighbour, including China.