China has officially become the first country to name a new ambassador to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The new envoy, Zhao Xing, presented his credentials at a ceremony in the capital.
China Becomes First Country to Name New Ambassador for Taliban Ruled Afghanistan
China has officially become the first country to name a new ambassador to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The new envoy, Zhao Xing, presented his credentials at a ceremony in the capital. This move from China comes two years after the Taliban took over.
The majority of countries across the globe have still not recognised the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. However, it remains unclear if Beijing sending an ambassador means they are legitimising the extremist rule.
As per a Reuters report, the Chinese foreign ministry has stated that this is “a normal rotation of China’s ambassador to Afghanistan.”
“This is intended to continue advancing dialogue and cooperation between China and Afghanistan. China’s policy towards Afghanistan is clear and consistent,” the foreign ministry added further.
Speaking to Reuters, Taliban officials from the Afghan foreign ministry have stated that China is the first country to send an ambassador since August 2021. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban overthrew the government and took control of the country. After their takeover, US-led forces withdrew from the country after 20 years.
Amid the India-Bharat naming row, China has suggested that rather than focussing on name change, India should focus on comprehensive economic reforms and global influence.
China advices India on Bharat renaming row (Credits: PTI/FILE)
As New Delhi prepares for the G20 Summit amid the India-Bharat naming row, China has said India wants to use the event as an opportunity “to enhance the country’s international influence” and that the country should focus on more important things than the name.
China, through its mouthpiece Global Times, said, “What matters is whether India can comprehensively reform its economic system, which can be traced back to before 1947, when the nation became independent.”
“Without revolutionary reform, India cannot achieve revolutionary development,” the report stated.
A political storm erupted in the country after invitations for a G20 dinner were sent out on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu, describing her position as ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the customary ‘President of India’.
“Hopefully India can make good use of the increasing global attention it’s getting, and turn this influence into a driving force for growth,” China said.
“At a time when global attention is focused on the upcoming G20 summit, what does New Delhi want to express to the world?” China asked.
Further, the Chinese media said, “a name change reflects an effort to eliminate what it sees as colonial-era names.”
“The Modi administration has been one of the most ambitious governments in India in terms of economic reforms since 1991, when India started major reforms to liberalise its economy. Unfortunately, India is increasingly shifting toward trade protectionism,” the report stated.
“These are all more important than whether to change the country’s name,” the Xi Jinping-led country suggested.
Further, referring to India’s recent strict crackdown on some Chinese companies, the report stated, “India’s hesitancy in fully opening up its markets to the world is understandable, but post-1947 history tells us that every time India promotes reform and economic liberalization, it brings strong impetus to economic growth.”
