Original title: Major changes in the situation in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its stance
[环球时报-环球网报道 记者 王盼盼]On August 16, 2021, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying presided over a regular press conference. Part of the content is as follows.
Question: We see that the current situation in Afghanistan is developing rapidly. How does China comment on the current situation in Afghanistan?
A: The situation in Afghanistan has undergone major changes. We respect the wishes and choices of the Afghan people. The war in Afghanistan has lasted for more than 40 years. Stopping the war and achieving peace is not only the unanimous voice of the more than 30 million Afghan people, but also the common expectation of the international community and regional countries.
China noted yesterday that the Afghan Taliban stated that the war in Afghanistan has ended and they will negotiate the establishment of an open and inclusive Islamic government and take responsible actions to ensure the safety of Afghan citizens and foreign missions in Afghanistan. China hopes that these statements can be implemented to ensure a smooth transition of the situation in Afghanistan, curb all kinds of terrorism and criminal acts, and enable the Afghan people to stay away from war and rebuild their beautiful homeland.
Q: Is the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan still open? Does China plan to withdraw diplomats? Is China worried about the safety of Chinese citizens in Afghanistan?
A: The Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan is still operating normally. The Chinese ambassador and embassy staff are still sticking to their posts and performing their duties. Most of the Chinese citizens in Afghanistan have returned to China in advance under the arrangements of the embassy. There are still some sporadic personnel who have left voluntarily. The Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan maintains close contact with them, and they are currently safe.
The Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan will continue to pay close attention to the development of the situation in Afghanistan and provide necessary services and assistance to every Chinese citizen in Afghanistan.
Q: We are concerned that the Taliban has entered Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and claimed to seek a peaceful transfer of power. It is expected that all parties will hold negotiations in Qatar. Does the Chinese government intend to recognize or under what circumstances will recognize the government in power by the Taliban? If Afghanistan resumes Taliban rule, what will it mean for China?
A: On the basis of fully respecting the national sovereignty of Afghanistan and the will of various factions in the country, China has maintained contact and communication with the Afghan Taliban and others, and has been playing a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Afghan issue. As everyone knows, on July 28, State Councilor Wang Yi met with Baradar, the head of the Afghan Taliban Political Committee in Tianjin. Lay the foundation for peace.
The Afghan Taliban have expressed on many occasions that they hope to develop good relations with China and look forward to China’s participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, and will never allow any forces to use Afghan territory to do things that endanger China. We welcome this. For a long time, China has always respected the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, has never interfered in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, and has always pursued a friendly policy for all Afghan people. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop good-neighborly and friendly cooperation with Afghanistan. Relations and play a constructive role in the peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
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