Afghanistan: China has become the first country to name an ambassador to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power in 2021. The Afghan government commented that Mr. Zhao Sheng’s appointment is a sign for other nations to establish ties with its government.
No other country has recognised the Taliban-led government, which has been criticised for human rights violations in Afghanistan. China was among the first countries to cooperate with the Taliban. China’s Foreign Ministry remarked that Beijing will “continue advancing dialogue and cooperation” with Afghanistan and that its policy towards the country is “clear and consistent.”
“Mr. Zhao’s appointment is part of a “normal rotation” of Chinese ambassadors to Afghanistan,” the statement added.
The UN and other international rights groups have condemned the Taliban for its treatment of women as well as for reinstating practices like public executions and stonings.
Taliban leaders received Mr. Zhao at the presidential palace in Kabul’s capital in a lavish ceremony. The acting Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Akhund, and the acting Foreign Minister, Mr. Amir Khan Muttaqi Mr. Zhao replaces Mr. Wang Yu, who finished his tenure as ambassador last month.
Ms. Farwa Aamer, Director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute, stated that “by being the first to name an ambassador post-takeover, China aims to position itself as an influential actor in the region, a possible diplomatic flexing of muscles, especially when many Western countries are still hesitant to engage with the Taliban.”
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