Wang Yi talks about China's policy toward Afghanistan

On October 26, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered reporters' questions on the contact with the Delegation of the Afghan Taliban Provisional Government before leaving Doha.

Wang Yi said: During this visit to Qatar, I had contacts with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Baradal of the Afghan Taliban Interim Government and Acting Foreign Minister Mottaki. During the engagement, they gave a detailed account of the internal and external policies pursued by the Afghan Interim Government. The Afghan side has made more positive statements than before on issues of increased political inclusiveness, protection of the legitimate rights and interests of women and children, and combating terrorism that China and the international community are concerned about. We also communicated on bilateral exchanges and decided to establish a working-level mechanism. It should be said that this contact was beneficial and enhanced mutual understanding.

Wang Yi said that at a time when the situation in Afghanistan took a major turning point, The Chinese side was the first to put forward several expectations for the future of Afghanistan: First, to build a more open and inclusive political structure, in which all ethnic groups and factions should participate and play a role; second, to implement a moderate and steady domestic and foreign policy, including protecting the legitimate rights and interests of women and children; third, to draw a clear line with all terrorist forces, including the Islamic State and the "Eastern Islamic Movement", and take measures to resolutely crack down; fourth, to pursue a peaceful foreign policy and live in harmony with all countries, especially neighboring countries.

Wang Yi said that these expectations put forward by the Chinese side have now become the consensus of the international community. The key is how to achieve it. China maintains that we should uphold an attitude of equality and respect, contact and communicate with all parties and ethnic groups in Afghanistan, and actively guide them. We are not in favor of blind pressure, and we are even more opposed to the threat of sanctions. Afghanistan is a sovereign State, and the Afghan nation is a nation full of independent spirit. The history of Afghanistan and many international examples prove that finger-pointing at an independent people often backfires. Frequently interfering in a country's internal affairs violates the basic norms governing international relations. As long as we remain patient, step by step, and actively interact with the Afghan Interim Administration and other parties and nationalities, I believe that Atta can more clearly understand what to do is more in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the Afghan people, more in line with the expectations of all parties, and more smoothly integrated into the international community.

Wang Yi stressed: China is a neighbor of Afghanistan, and the two peoples have had long-standing friendly exchanges. Many Afghan friends said that China is a big country that has never bullied Afghanistan and is also a great neighbor of Afghanistan. China's policy toward Afghanistan is clear and consistent. We respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, the Afghan people's active exploration of a development path suited to their national conditions and the objective reality of the Afghan Interim Administration's governance throughout the country. China has never interfered in Afghanistan's internal affairs, nor has it sought any selfish interests, and it has no intention of building any sphere of influence in Afghanistan. We will continue to listen to the voices and needs of the Afghan people and play a constructive role within our capabilities for the restoration of stability and development in Afghanistan.

Wang Yi said: With regard to the temporary difficulties facing Afghanistan, we would like to clearly point out that the United States and some Western countries bear unshirkable responsibility for this. China calls on and urges these countries to shoulder their due responsibilities, take practical actions as soon as possible, effectively help alleviate possible humanitarian crises and truly do some real good things for the Afghan people. The international community should form a joint force to implement the principle of "Afghan ownership and Afghan leadership".

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs website