China Welcomes Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban Emirate of Afghanistan

During a press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning welcomed Russia’s recognition of the IEA and stated that Beijing supports the international community in “strengthening engagement and dialogue with the Afghan interim government.”

Mao highlighted that China encourages global efforts to address international concerns, contribute to Afghanistan’s reconstruction, combat terrorism, and promote regional peace and stability. She noted that since the IEA regained control, China and Afghanistan have maintained normal operations in each other’s territories, which has played a positive role in advancing bilateral relations.

China has been one of the few countries to maintain diplomatic ties with the IEA, appointing its own envoy to Kabul in September 2023. Mao reiterated that China will continue to pursue a friendly policy toward the Afghan people and support exchanges and cooperation across various fields between the two nations.

Russia’s formal recognition of the IEA marks a significant diplomatic shift, as only a handful of nations have accepted IEA-appointed ambassadors. China’s endorsement of this move underscores its commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region.