China on Wednesday backed the Taliban’s interim government by calling it a necessary step to restore order and end the anarchy. Beijing also announced government aid of $31 million to Afghanistan.
Taking part in the first meeting of the neighbouring countries in Asia, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said China will provide 200 million yuan (USD 31 million) worth of grains, winter supplies, vaccines, and medicines to Afghanistan, India Today reported.
The meeting was held in Pakistan and neighbouring countries including Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Notably, Russia was absent from the meeting.
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Wang said that China has already donated 3 million Covid vaccines to the Afghan people. It is further ready to distribute more vaccines and anti-epidemic supplies from its China-South Asian Countries Emergency Supplies Reserves if required.
China also said that it would work with Afghanistan to help rebuild its economy and society and help eliminate terrorism and illegal drug trades.
While talking to media persons on a webinar, Chinese diplomat Wang Wenbin said that “China attaches importance to the Afghan Taliban's announcement of the formation of an interim government and some key roles”.
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When asked about the formation of the new interim government, he said, “this has put an end to the anarchy in Afghanistan that lasted for over three weeks and is a necessary step for Afghanistan to restore domestic order and pursue post-war reconstruction.”
The Taliban on Tuesday announced a new interim government, consisting of 33 members out of whom 5 cabinet ministers have UN sanctions over them for terrorism and drug trafficking charges.
“We hope Afghanistan will establish a broadly based and inclusive political structure, follow moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, resolutely combat all types of terrorist forces, and live on friendly terms with other countries, especially its neighbours,” Wang Wenbin said.
