Shortly after declaring victory against the United States, Afghanistan’s new Islamist Taliban rulers reached out to China, which wants to cooperate with them.
“China will be our main partner, “ said Taliban spokesman Zabihulah Mujahid in published remarks.
Communist-run China “represents a great opportunity for us because it is ready to invest in our country and support reconstruction efforts,” he added.
He stressed that the Taliban values China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as the project will revive the ancient Silk Road through railway.
China, he said, would “help Afghanistan use its copper resources and give the country a path into global markets, per the Asia Today.”
His comments came after Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the international community should engage with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.
The world should “positively guide” them, China’s foreign ministry added.
Minister Wang urged Washington to work with the international community to provide “economic and humanitarian aid” to Afghanistan. Additionally, the U.S. and others should “help” the new regime run governmental functions usually, maintain social stability, “and stop the currency from depreciating and the cost of living from rising,” he stressed.
China, along with Russia, is increasing its footprint in Afghanistan and the region, adding to concerns within the U.S. and its allies.
Taliban spokesman Mujahid suggested that the Kabul airport would be up and running again soon to welcome the rulers’ Eastern partners.
“The airport should be clean within the next three days and will be rebuilt in a short time,” he confirmed. “I hope it will be operational again in September.
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