China urges aid, engagement on Afghanistan
During a recent UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan, Geng Shuang, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the Afghan interim government and increasing humanitarian assistance to aid the country's recovery. He noted that Afghanistan's overall situation remains stable, with progress in various areas, and proposed several measures to address ongoing challenges.
Geng expressed China's support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) as a facilitator for cooperation between the Afghan authorities and the international community. He reiterated China's readiness to contribute to Afghanistan's peace, stability, and reintegration into global affairs. The Security Council meeting, which occurs quarterly, included updates from senior UN officials on the political, human rights, humanitarian, and socio-economic issues facing Afghanistan.
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong also called for ongoing dialogue with Afghanistan's interim government, warning that isolation would exacerbate the country's humanitarian and economic crises. He urged the international community to adjust sanctions, lift travel bans, and unfreeze Afghan assets, particularly calling on the United States to return frozen funds without conditions.
Highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid, China pointed out that nearly 23 million Afghans require assistance, with around 15 million facing acute food insecurity. Beijing criticized the politicization of aid by traditional donors and advocated for support without preconditions. While acknowledging concerns regarding women's rights, China called for a comprehensive approach that includes economic and social development, and urged Afghan authorities to continue counterterrorism efforts against groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Overall, China stressed that constructive international involvement is crucial for Afghanistan's long-term stability and recovery.
