From President Donald J. Trump:
China said Monday that Beijing is ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with Afghanistan a day after the Taliban toppled the Afghan government.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying did not answer explicitly when asked whether Beijing will recognize the Taliban as the legitimate rulers but said that China would respect the choice of the Afghan people.
She did, however, note that the extremist group pledges to negotiate the establishment of an inclusive Islamic government and to ensure the safety of both Afghans and foreign missions — adding that China hopes that would “ensure a smooth transition of the situation in Afghanistan.”
China will also be keeping its embassy open in Kabul, Hua said.
Read the full article by Yaron Steinbuch with the New York Post here.
