China’s Special Envoy Meets Taliban Officials in Kabul During Regional Visit

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Yu Shaoyong, China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, held separate meetings in Kabul with Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban administration, and Anas Haqqani, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Interior. According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, the regional visit took place from May 10 to 16, 2026, covering Afghanistan and Qatar. During the meetings in Kabul, both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, joint cooperation, and various regional and international issues.

Following the developments in 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power, China has maintained diplomatic ties with Afghanistan and in recent years has emphasized expanding economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and ensuring stability in the country. However, the Taliban administration has not yet been recognized by many countries, and the international community’s approach toward engaging with the Taliban remains a key regional discussion.

In past years, Beijing has engaged in extensive dialogues with Taliban officials on trade, infrastructure projects, and regional cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry added that during his continued visit, Yu Shaoyong also met in Doha with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalifi, Minister of State at Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, to consult on shared areas of interest.