CHINA TO WAIT FOR TALIBAN TO FORM GOVT BEFORE DECIDING ON RECOGNITION

BEIJING: China on Wednesday said it is waiting for the Taliban to establish an “open, inclusive, and broadly representative” government in Afghanistan before it decides on the issue of diplomatic recognition.

“If we are going to recognise a government, we will have to wait till the government is formed,” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday. “Only after that, will we come to the question of diplomatic recognition.”

“It is a customary international practice that the recognition of a government comes after its formation. China’s position on the Afghan issue is clear and consistent. We hope that Afghanistan can form an open, inclusive and broadly representative government that echoes the widely shared aspirations of its own people and the international community,” Zhao said when asked about Beijing’s stand on recognising the Taliban government in Kabul.

China, Zhao said, hopes that all parties in Afghanistan would resolve differences through dialogue, avoid new conflicts and humanitarian disasters, and work towards smooth transition in the Afghan situation.

“As a friendly neighbour and sincere friend of Afghanistan, China upholds a friendly policy towards the entire Afghan people. This did not, does not and will not change. China will continue to support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and provide help for socioeconomic development in Afghanistan as our ability permits,” the spokesperson said.

Zhao reiterated that the Taliban should crack down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which it has accused of fomenting unrest in Xinjiang.