China says ready to establish ‘friendly, cooperative ties’ with Afghanistan under Taliban

China says it is ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing on Monday that China welcomed the chance to deepen ties with Afghanistan.

“We welcome this. China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop… friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan.”

Hua called on the Taliban to “ensure a smooth transition” of power and keep its promises to negotiate the establishment of an inclusive government and ensure the safety of Afghans and foreign citizens.

“The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China’s participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan,” she said.

Elsewhere in her remarks, Hua said China’s embassy in Kabul remains operational.

In a statement Monday, the embassy told Chinese citizens remaining in Afghanistan to “pay close attention to the security situation” and stay indoors.

But Beijing began evacuating Chinese citizens from the country months ago amid the deteriorating security situation.

The Taliban laid siege to Kabul on Sunday, forcing the sitting Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani, to flee to an undisclosed location.

Source: Press TV