BEIJING — Chinese officials have emphasized the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan during a series of meetings with Taliban representatives, according to a statement from the Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan.
The discussions, part of the third session on humanitarian aid and economic reconstruction, addressed international concerns regarding Afghanistan’s political framework. The Chinese side labeled these concerns as “logical” and called on the Taliban to be “responsible.”
Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, noted that the talks also focused on enhancing economic relations, mining Afghanistan’s underground resources, and boosting humanitarian aid.
“The Afghan delegation presented its proposals and recommendations to increase the effectiveness of Chinese assistance,” Takal said. “Chinese officials committed to organizing humanitarian aid based on Afghan needs.”
International worries include the absence of an inclusive government, severe human rights abuses, and terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan.
“We continue to hope that Afghanistan [Taliban] will actively respond to international concerns about its political structure,” the Chinese statement read.
China, Russia, and Iran maintain close ties with the Taliban and have consistently advocated for an inclusive government.
Nasrullah Stanikzai, a university lecturer, explained the importance of inclusivity: “The issue of an inclusive government is raised by both the international community and the Afghan people. It requires representation of all ethnic groups and religious diversities in political power.”
However, the Taliban has been hesitant to heed these international calls, asserting that its current government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and composed entirely of Taliban members, is inclusive.
In response to what type of government Afghanistan needs, Azmal Hijran, another university lecturer, stated: “Women should have rights to work and education, freedom of speech should exist, and political parties and civil societies should be operational.”
