Taliban crew visits China, ministry says they are going to play ‘vital’ function in Afghan peace

China advised a visiting Taliban delegation on Wednesday it anticipated the rebel group to play an vital function in ending Afghanistan’s struggle and rebuilding the nation, the Chinese overseas ministry mentioned.

Nine Taliban representatives met Foreign Minister Wang Yi within the northern Chinese metropolis of Tianjin on a two-day go to throughout which the peace course of and safety points have been mentioned, a Taliban spokesperson mentioned.Wang mentioned the Taliban is predicted to “play an important role in the process of peaceful reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan”, in response to an account of the assembly from the overseas ministry.He additionally mentioned that he hoped the Taliban would crack down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement because it was a “direct threat to China’s national security,” referring to a gaggle China says is energetic within the Xinjiang area in China’s far west.The go to was prone to additional cement the rebel group’s recognition on the worldwide stage at a delicate time at the same time as violence will increase in Afghanistan. The militants have a political workplace in Qatar the place peace talks are happening and this month despatched representatives to Iran the place that they had conferences with an Afghan authorities delegation.”Politics, economy and issues related to the security of both countries and the current situation of Afghanistan and the peace process were discussed in the meetings,” Taliban spokesperson Mohammed Naeem tweeted concerning the China go to.Naeem added that the group, led by Taliban negotiator and deputy chief Mullah Baradar Akhund, was additionally assembly China’s particular envoy for Afghanistan and that the journey came about after an invite from Chinese authorities.Asked concerning the Taliban go to, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in New Delhi that it was a “positive thing” if Beijing was selling a peaceable decision to the struggle and “some kind of (Afghan) government … that’s truly representative and inclusive.””No one has an interest in a military takeover by the Taliban, the restoration of an Islamic emirate,” he mentioned in an interview with CNN-News18 tv.Security in Afghanistan, with which China shares a border, has been deteriorating quick because the United States withdraws its troops by September. The Taliban has launched a flurry of offensives, taking districts and border crossings across the nation whereas peace talks in Qatar’s capital haven’t made substantive progress.”(The) delegation assured China that they will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against China,” Naeem mentioned. “China also reiterated its commitment of continuation of their assistance with Afghans and said they will not interfere in Afghanistan’s issues but will help to solve the problems and restoration of peace in the country.”