China Calls for Security Cooperation with Taliban Administration at UN Meeting
China’s representative to the United Nations has called for enhanced engagement and cooperation with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, citing regional security concerns. This issue was raised during a special UN meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.
Sun Li, China’s ambassador, said on Friday, January 29, that the goal of this cooperation is to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups and to curb the return and activities of foreign militants. He added that although the overall security situation in the region is described as stable, attacks continue in Afghanistan, Syria, and Pakistan.
At the same meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over cross-border security threats emanating from Afghanistan and emphasized the need to ensure that no terrorist group uses Afghan territory against other countries.
Guterres also voiced his worries about the Taliban administration’s support for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an issue previously criticized by Islamabad. Pakistani officials claim that TTP attacks are launched with support from inside Afghanistan.
These concerns come in the wake of a recent Kabul explosion targeting a restaurant frequented by Chinese citizens, which left seven dead. This incident has once again raised questions about the Taliban administration’s capability and willingness to maintain security and prevent the activities of armed groups.
