China appoints new special envoy to Afghanistan

Beijing, July 21: China on Wednesday announced that it has replaced its special envoy to Afghanistan amid growing concern here over the adverse impact of the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country on the volatile Xinjiang province which faces security threats from Uyghur Muslim militants.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced that the present special envoy Liu Jian to Afghanistan will be replaced by former China’s Ambassador to Qatar, Jordan and Ireland, Yue Xiao Yong.

Liu has served as China’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Malaysia and Pakistan before he was appointed as special envoy to Afghanistan early last year. Announcing the new appointment, Zhao said now that the Afghan issue is in focus for the international community, China attaches high importance to communication and coordination with all relevant parties and will continue to play a constructive role for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Yue will establish working relationships with colleagues rather than parties and maintain close communication and coordination, he said without elaborating.

The new appointment followed China stepping up its diplomatic engagement in Afghanistan following the announcement by the Biden administration to withdraw US troops by August.

Zhao also condemned the rocket attack on the presidential palace in Kabul. China expresses its strong condemnation of the attack, we firmly oppose any form of violence and he said.

We continue to firmly support Afghan government and the people in their fights against terrorism, their efforts in safeguarding national peace and stability. China is ready to work with the international community to help Afghanistan to achieve peace at an early date, he said. —

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