KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the recent developments in Russia’s ties with the Taliban, including Moscow’s decision to recognize the group’s rule in Afghanistan.
During a press briefing on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing supports stronger international engagement with the Taliban and urges the group to address global concerns.
“As a traditional friendly neighbor of Afghanistan, the Chinese side has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community,” she remarked.
When asked whether China would take similar steps, Mao said that diplomatic relations between Beijing and Kabul have remained intact regardless of Afghanistan’s internal or external changes.
“China will stay committed to a foreign policy of friendship toward all Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation in various areas with Afghanistan,” she added.
The Taliban announced on Thursday that Russia had become the first country to officially recognize its rule. The statement followed a meeting in Kabul between Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov.
The Russian move has drawn sharp criticism from Afghan political figures, armed opposition groups, activists, and women’s rights defenders. They argue that recognition of the Taliban legitimizes oppression and encourages extremism.
While China has not formally recognized the Taliban, it has increased its engagement with the group in recent years. China was the first country to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Beijing and has sent its own ambassador to Kabul.
