Despite Tensions, Beijing and Washington Discuss the Situation in Afghanistan
The foreign ministers of China and the US discussed the situation in Afghanistan by phone, and Beijing urged Washington to provide economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken the situation in Afghanistan and the US-China relations in a phone call on Sunday amid tensions between the two countries, state media reported.
The Chinese state television quoted the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying that it is necessary for all parties to act with the Taliban and guide the movement positively.
Wang stressed that the US needs to work with the international community to provide Afghanistan with urgently-needed economic, livelihood and humanitarian assistance, as well as to help the new Afghan political structure maintain normal operation of government institutions, achieve social security and stability, and curb currency depreciation and inflation.
According to Chinese state television, the call was made at the invitation of Washington, noting that Wang "urged the US on the premise of respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence, to take concrete actions to help Afghanistan combat terrorism and violence, instead of practicing double standards or fighting terrorism selectively."
Regarding US-China relations, the Chinese foreign minister pointed out that the two countries have recently conducted communication on issues such as the situation in Afghanistan and climate change.
Wang emphasized that "Dialogue is better than confrontation, and cooperation is better than conflict," adding that China will consider how to engage with the US according to its attitude towards his country.
It is worth noting that China has accused the US of leaving a mess with its withdrawal from Afghanistan, especially after the scenes that showed attempts of a mass escape of Afghan citizens at Kabul airport.
Earlier, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, said that China will help in Afghanistan's economic reconstruction.
In addition, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying declared that China is ready to deepen relations with Afghanistan after the Taliban takes control of the country.
Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman, stated on August 19 that China can contribute to Afghan development.
In late July, a delegation from the Taliban visited China and met with its foreign minister, Wang Yi. The movement pledged not to allow Afghan territory to become a base for attacks against China.