Taliban declare China their closest ally | Politics

Taliban officials have declared China as their closest ally in the international community.

Activists say Beijing is “ready to invest and rebuild” Afghanistan and describe the nation as their “main partner”.

Zabihulla Mujahid, the group’s spokesperson, said the Chinese would help revive Afghan copper mining. He also praised the Chinese for their One Belt One Road investment project which has progressed despite criticism from Western countries.

China is one of the few countries that has not evacuated staff from its embassy in Kabul following the Taliban takeover.

It was also reported that a Taliban delegation visited China in July for talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin.

Mr. Mujahid told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica: “China is our main partner and represents for us a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity because it is ready to invest and to rebuild our country.

“We hold in high regard the One Belt One Road project which will serve to revive the ancient Silk Road.

“Beyond that, we have rich copper mines which, thanks to the Chinese, can be brought back into production and modernized.

“China is our passport to markets around the world.”

His comments come after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Britain would “not recognize the Taliban at any time for the foreseeable future.”

But he said there was a need for “direct engagement” with the group, to ensure that British nationals and Afghan allies can leave Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated the message, adding that if the Taliban wanted to engage with the West, then “the first priority for them is for us a safe passage for those who want to leave”.

Raab also said evacuation flights from Afghanistan could resume “in the near future” after talks with Qatari leaders.