The Afghan Taliban named China their “most important partner” and said they would rely on Beijing to rebuild Afghanistan and exploit its rich copper resources as the war-ravaged country faces widespread hunger and fears of economic collapse .
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group supports China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, which aims to connect China to Africa, Asia and Europe through a vast network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks.
“China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country,” Geo News quoted Mujahid in an interview with an Italian newspaper on Thursday.
There are “rich copper mines in the country that thanks to the Chinese can be put back into operation and modernized. China is also our gateway to markets around the world,” said Mujahid.
China has spoken positively towards the Taliban and expressed the hope that the insurgents will pursue a moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policy, fight all forms of terrorist forces, live in harmony with other countries and the demands of their own people and the international community .
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that China will respect the sovereignty of Afghanistan and will not interfere and pursue friendship with “the entire Afghan people”, moderate foreign and domestic policy and clean break with terrorist groups in all forms ” .
The Taliban also see Russia as an important partner in the region and will maintain good relations with Moscow, said Mujahid.
On August 15, the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital Kabul. On August 31, the last foreign troops left the country, ending the 20-year war for fear of economic collapse and widespread hunger.
After the chaotic exit, western states severely restricted their aid payments to Afghanistan.
Earlier this week, the head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, warned of an impending “humanitarian disaster” in Afghanistan and called on countries to provide emergency aid as severe drought and war have forced thousands of families to flee.
Guterres expressed “grave concern about the worsening humanitarian and economic crisis in the country”, adding that basic services are at risk of “total collapse”.
Amid fears of economic collapse and widespread hunger, the Taliban have indicated that a formal government structure is in sight.
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