Sunday, 29 August 2021 (YJC)_ Chinese Foreign Minister and U.S. Secretary of State held a phone talk and exchanged views on the Afghanistan situation and China-U.S. relations.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday held a phone talk and exchanged views on the Afghanistan situation and China-U.S. relations.
Stressing the domestic situation in Afghanistan has undergone fundamental changes, Wang said it is necessary for all parties to engage with the Taliban and actively guide them. The U.S. in particular needs to work with the international community to provide much-needed economic, livelihood and humanitarian assistance, he said.
The foreign minister also urged the U.S. to help the new government to build a political structure so as to maintain the normal operation of governing institutions, social security and stability, curb currency devaluation and price increases, and embark on a road to peaceful reconstruction as soon as possible.
Wang said the facts prove that the war in Afghanistan has not achieved the goal of removing terrorist forces in Afghanistan, and warned that the hasty withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops is likely to provide an opportunity for the resurgence of various types of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.
He added that the U.S. side should respect the premise of the sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan, and take practical action to help the country to control terrorism and stop violence, rather than engage in double standards or selective fighting of terrorism.
Blinken told Wang that the U.S. believes the United Nations Security Council should issue a clear, unified message to the world that the international community expects the Taliban to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign citizens, ensure that the Afghan people receive humanitarian assistance and ensure that the territory cannot become a source of terrorist attacks or a safe haven for terrorism.
Wang also said the U.S. side is clear about the causes of the current chaos in Afghanistan. "If the United Nation Security Council is to take any action, it should help to ease rather than intensify conflicts, and help the situation in Afghanistan to transition smoothly rather than to return to turmoil."
Blinken expressed his understanding and respect for China's concerns on issues related to Afghanistan.
Wang: U.S. politicization of COVID-19 a 'burden' left by previous administration
Wang said China will determine how to interact with the U.S. based on the attitude Washington takes.
"If Washington also wants to bring the China-U.S. relationship back on track, then it should stop slandering China and undermining China's sovereignty, security and developing interests," the foreign minister told Blinken, according to an official statement.
Wang also urged the U.S. to stop politicizing COVID-19 origins tracing, which he described as a "political burden" left over by the former U.S. administration. The sooner U.S. drops that burden the faster it will to get out of the current dilemma, he added.
Blinken said the U.S. does not intend to blame any county on origins tracing, but pointed out that both countries have a responsibility to provide necessary information. He added that Washington would like to keep in contact with China on the issue.
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