Beijing: China has released its 11-point position on the Afghanistan issue. The statement, titled “China’s Position on the Afghan Issue,” was issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The statement highlights that Afghanistan should be a platform for cooperation among various countries, rather than a geopolitical game, and China supports all projects and initiatives that are conducive to a political solution to the Afghan issue.
It also states that China respects Afghanistan’s freedom, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the Afghan people’s free choice, religious beliefs, and national customs. China will never interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, nor will it seek to impose its own influence on the country.
Furthermore, China supports moderate and scientific governance in Afghanistan and hopes that Afghanistan will form an inclusive political framework and adopt domestic and foreign policies based on moderation and foresight. Additionally, the interim Afghan government will safeguard the fundamental rights and interests of all citizens, including women, children, minorities, and ethnic groups.
The statement also notes that China will continue to make every effort to help Afghanistan achieve self-reliant and sustainable development, fulfill its aid commitments, promote continuous progress in economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and advance medical care, poverty alleviation, agriculture, and other fields.
Further welcoming Afghanistan’s participation in the China Belt and Road Initiative, China supports Afghanistan’s integration into regional economic cooperation and connectivity, which will transform it from a “land-locked” country to a “land-linked” one.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, a statement declares that China hopes Afghanistan will take effective measures with determination against all terrorist forces, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, to ensure the protection of citizens, institutions, and projects of China and other countries.
China emphasizes to the global community the need to strengthen bilateral and multilateral security cooperation to combat terrorism on both levels, and to provide necessary supplies, equipment, and technical assistance to Afghanistan. China also demands active measures to stop financing and recruitment of terrorists, and to prevent cross-border movement.
China urges the United States to fulfill its commitments and responsibilities to Afghanistan, as it was the US that caused the Afghan issue, which has had the biggest impact on Afghanistan’s prosperity and well-being so far.
China suggests that countries should avoid military installations in Afghanistan or its neighboring countries for sustainable peace and stability. China expresses readiness to facilitate the resolution of Afghan refugee issues and support Afghanistan’s fight against drug trafficking.