Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a meeting with Taliban chief minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Wednesday called on Taliban leaders to address Beijing’s security concerns during a visit to Kabul, according to a statement.
Wang said China hoped Afghanistan would take its concerns seriously.
“We hope Afghanistan understands our security concerns, because appropriate security cooperation between the two countries will pave the way for Afghanistan’s progress,” Wang was quoted as saying in a Taliban statement.
Beijing and other regional countries have repeatedly voiced fears that extremist groups in Afghanistan could threaten their security.
According to the statement, Akhund thanked China for its position at international forums and said they seek stronger ties with Beijing. He added that the Taliban would not allow Afghanistan’s territory to be used against other countries.
Wang, who described Afghanistan and China as “good friends,” said Beijing respects the country’s sovereignty and believes Afghans have chosen “the right path.”
He noted that he is the only foreign minister from a permanent member of the UN Security Council to visit Afghanistan twice since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, saying the trips reflect China’s “sincerity and friendship.”
China has called for greater international engagement with the Taliban and has urged the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets abroad. Wang said Beijing stands ready to expand economic and security cooperation and to support the Afghan people’s development.
China’s foreign ministry has not commented on the details of the meeting in Kabul.
