In a diplomatic development, China accepted the credentials of the Afghan envoy to Beijing, representing the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. President Xi Jinping personally received the credentials of the Afghan ambassador in an official ceremony, signifying a substantial step in diplomatic engagement.

During the same ceremony, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, received credentials from ambassadors representing forty-one other nations. Specifically, Xi welcomed Bilal Karimi as the ambassador to China and formally accepted his credentials in the capacity of ambassador and special representative.

In December 2023, Bilal Karimi, during his tenure as ambassador to China, held a meeting with Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister. Subsequently, following this diplomatic engagement, Afghanistan has become an associate of China.

China has consistently affirmed its respect for Afghanistan's national sovereignty and its autonomy in decision-making. Furthermore, China has explicitly stated its non-interference in Afghanistan's domestic affairs.

China is actively involved in managing mining contracts in Afghanistan, and it has taken further diplomatic steps, appointing a full-time ambassador to Kabul. This ambassador presented diplomatic credentials to Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhud.

China's move marks it as the first nation to designate a permanent ambassador to Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. This action signals China's readiness to extend the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan and make substantial investments in the country.

China had asserted last year that, before establishing complete diplomatic relations, the Afghan Taliban must undergo reform. The Chinese government specified that to achieve full diplomatic recognition, the Taliban-led government should implement political changes, improve security conditions, and mend relations with neighbouring countries. Despite these conditions, both nations have been maintaining diplomatic relations, with reciprocal hosting of each other's diplomats ongoing concurrently.

China has emphasized that, although Afghanistan should not be isolated from the international community, the Taliban must meet global expectations. Since assuming control following the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in August 2021, the Taliban government has yet to receive formal recognition from any country. In a significant move, China has offered assurances to Afghanistan's new leadership, pledging that the nation will not be utilized as a base for insurgents.

Image source: WION News