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.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marked the start of his three-nation European tour on Thursday. He met with some members of the European Parliament.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marked the start of his three-nation European tour on Thursday. (File Photo)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held closed-door meetings with some members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels on Thursday, marking the start of his three-nation European tour.
According to sources, the human rights situation in Manipur was among the topics that were raised during his meetings in the Belgian capital. This comes against the backdrop of a resolution entitled ‘India, the situation in Manipur’ which had been adopted by the European Parliament in July.
The discussions in Brussels, which were not listed on the official parliamentary agenda of the day, were described as successful by Opposition party sources.
India in the past has said that the Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order.
“The European Parliament would be well advised to utilise its time more productively on its internal issues,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in July when the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in India, with particular reference to the clashes in Manipur.
He added that “such interference in India’s internal affairs is unacceptable, and reflects a colonial mindset”.
“Shri @RahulGandhi at a round table with MEPs in the European Parliament, co-hosted by MEP Alviina Almetsa (Shadow Rapporteur on EU-India Relationship) and MEP Pierre Larrouturou (portfolios within Parliamentary budget, climate & employment generation),” the Congress Party said in a tweet, confirming the meeting.
Later on Thursday, Gandhi attended an event organised by civil society organisations focussed on human rights issues within the European Union (EU). The day concluded with an interaction over dinner with the Belgium-based Indian diaspora.
Blinken said that there was a repeat of what’s happened in other countries, where they brought nothing but bad things in their wake. (File Image: PTI)
The West African nation of Niger, overtaken by a junta following President Mohamed Bazoum’s ousting, is grappling with concerns over Wagner’s potential involvement amid ongoing instability. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while not attributing the coup to Russia or Wagner, has voiced unease about their presence in the Sahel region.
When asked if he was concerned about the waving of Russian flags on the streets of Niamey by supporters of the recent coup, Blinken said Washington sees Russia “taking advantage of some of these conflicts and weaponising food to try to advance its own interests.”
In an interview with Waihiga Mwaura of BBC Focus on Africa, he said, “…we have concerns when we see something like the Wagner Group possibly manifesting itself in different parts of the Sahel, and here’s why we’re concerned: because every single place that this group, Wagner Group, has gone, death, destruction, and exploitation have followed.”
“I think what happened and what continues to happen in Niger was not instigated by Russia or by Wagner, but to the extent that they try to take advantage of it – and we see a repeat of what’s happened in other countries, where they’ve brought nothing but bad things in their wake – that wouldn’t be good,” he added.
Both the US and France maintain military bases in Niger to counter jihadist groups across the broader region. Following their expulsion from Mali after a coup, French troops established Niger as a critical hub.
Wagner, reputed to possess numerous fighters in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, advances business interests and fortifies Russia’s diplomatic and economic ties, despite allegations of grave human rights abuses in Africa. Speculation arises regarding Niger’s solicitation of Wagner’s aid amid potential military intervention.
