China Calls Afghanistan Its Strategic Partner, Stresses Continued Support
The spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to his country’s shared border with Afghanistan, emphasized that from Beijing’s perspective, Kabul is considered a strategic partner and ally for China.
Lin Jian, the spokesperson, added that his country will assist Afghanistan in overcoming its current difficult situation.
He said: “Afghanistan has always been a friendly neighbor and strategic cooperation partner of China. China will cooperate with Afghanistan to overcome this challenging period and deliver relief supplies to the earthquake-affected areas as soon as possible. We believe that under the leadership of the Afghan government, the people of this country will unite, recover from this disaster soon, and begin reconstruction.”
China’s emphasis on supporting Afghanistan comes at a time when the Chinese Foreign Ministry had earlier announced Beijing’s readiness to mediate and resolve issues between Kabul and Islamabad.
Meanwhile, some political analysts hold varying views on China’s role in Afghanistan’s developments.
Mohammad Zalmai Afghanyar, a political analyst, said: “In the current situation where the world is moving towards multipolarity and China is in confrontation with the United States, this country can act as a strategic friend for Afghanistan and a pillar for preserving mutual interests.”
Janat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst, said: “Without a doubt, China can be a strategic partner and friend of Afghanistan.”
Previously, the Chinese Foreign Minister had also stated during the fifth meeting of Central Asia-China foreign ministers that Beijing, along with Central Asian countries, had agreed to support Afghanistan in achieving peace, stability, and the reconstruction process.
