The current situation of Afghanistan has become a matter of major concern, especially for the neighboring countries. China being the largest neighbor and emerging superpower held peace talks with the Afghan Taliban. Such talks can bring peace to Afghanistan. The talks were between the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a group of Afghan Taliban led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. It was held in north China’s Tianjin Municipality. In the meeting, China assured the Afghan Taliban that it is ready to play a constructive role in the peace and reconciliation process of Afghanistan.
The diplomat Wang Yi said, “Afghanistan is China’s largest neighbor. We respect the sovereignty and integrity of Afghanistan. We don’t interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.” He further counsels the Afghan Taliban that Afghanistan belongs to the Afghan people and the people of Afghanistan can make the future of it. He also said that the withdrawal of United States Troops has given them the opportunity to develop their nation.
China wants peace in Afghanistan at any mean as the Chinese Foreign Minister expect the other neighbor countries to hold on peace talks. And he suggested the Afghan Taliban implement the principle of Afghan-owned and Afghan-led policy in their country and build a political architecture according to their country’s condition and suitability. Chinese also showed their fear of the East Turkistan Independence Movement (ETIM) because they threatened China’s national security and territorial integrity. So, the Chinese hope from the Afghan Taliban to not be with ETIM.
This talk went very peacefully as the Mullah Baradar appreciated the efforts and thoughts of China and said that China was a trustworthy friend. And the Taliban acknowledged the suggestions of the Chinese and ensured to build a political architecture for their country with full rights to the city specifically to children and women and also added that; The Afghan people will not allow anyone to use the territory to do things that would undermine interests of its people.” The Afghan Taliban also said that they would build friendly ties with their neighbors and would welcome investments for future developments in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Taliban delegation also met with the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jiangho and shared views on the same matter.
Such ideal talks and their practical implications can really help out to maintain peace in Afghanistan and to make the future of the country. No doubt China has its own interests in Afghanistan but can benefit many countries including Pakistan.
