Politics

China says will support Afghan ‘reconstruction’ and ‘political structure’

Beijing, Apr 13 (EFE).- China released a new paper on Thursday underlining its support for Afghanistan’s “reconstruction” and “political structure,” while promising more efforts to promote bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.

Beijing is also looking for Kabul to be integrated into China’s Belt and Road initiative to transform Afghanistan from a “land-locked country” to a “land-linked country,” according to the document, released by the Chinese foreign ministry.

“China is concerned about the situation of Afghan refugees and will continue to provide assistance through bilateral and multilateral channels,” said the statement.

Beijing said it would not meddle in Afghan “internal affairs” and respected Afghan independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while advocating a “moderate and prudent” government in Afghanistan.

“China sincerely hopes that Afghanistan could build an open and inclusive political structure, adopt moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies,” said the ministry.

“We hope the Afghan Interim Government will protect the basic rights and interests of all Afghan people, including women, children and all ethnic groups,” it added.

It also called on the Taliban to support the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The statement further called on the United States to “ live up to its commitments and responsibilities” to Afghanistan.

“The US should draw lessons from what happened in Afghanistan, face squarely the grave humanitarian, economic and security risks and challenges in Afghanistan, immediately lift its sanctions, return the Afghan overseas assets, and deliver its pledged humanitarian aid,” it said.

The Chinese document also called for finding solutions to the Afghan refugee crisis and the country’s fight against narcotics.

Afghanistan is mired in an economic crisis exacerbated by the Taliban’s seizure of power in August 2021, which led to the freezing of funds for the country’s reconstruction.

Since the Taliban came to power, Afghanistan has suffered a huge setback in human rights, marked by increasing restrictions on women and systematic intimidation of activists and journalists. EFE

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