China calls on US to "engage" with Taliban to "positively guide" Afghan "new government"

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinen that Washington must "work together with the international community" to provide humanitarian and economic aid to Afghanistan and enable the "new government" to maintain social stability.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinen to "engage" with the Taliban to guide them in a "positive" way and allow them to carry out their "government functions" in a "normal" manner.

He added that Washington should "work together with the international community" to provide humanitarian and economic aid to Afghanistan and allow the "new government" to maintain social stability, among other issues.

"While respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty, the United States should take concrete steps to help Afghans fight terrorism and end violence instead of presenting a double standard that leads it to selectively fight terrorists," Wang said in a statement.

He warned that the departure of US troops from the country could lead to a "strengthening" of terrorist groups in the area. State Department spokesman Ned Price confirmed that Wang's remarks came after a conversation with Blinken on the importance of "the international community holding the Taliban to their promise to allow Afghans and foreigners to travel freely and safely" should they decide to leave the country.

However, the Chinese government has so far not recognised a Taliban government, but has taken a position in favour of facilitating the transition rather than "exerting more pressure". For Wang, the withdrawal of foreign troops has had a "serious negative impact", but he has pledged to work with the US to promote stability in Afghanistan.