Taliban Say They See China As A "Friend" To Afghanistan

© Provided by South China Morning Post Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen. Photo: Handout  

SCMP: China a ‘welcome friend’ for reconstruction in Afghanistan: Taliban spokesman  

The Taliban sees China as a "friend" to Afghanistan and is hoping to talk to Beijing about investing in reconstruction work "as soon as possible", the group's spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Wednesday. 

In an exclusive interview with This Week in Asia, Suhail said the Taliban now controlled 85 per cent of the country and that it would guarantee the safety of Chinese investors and workers if they were to return. 

"We welcome them. If they have investments of course we ensure their safety. Their safety is very important for us," he said by phone. 

Suhail also said the Taliban would no longer allow China's Uyghur separatist fighters, some of whom had previously sought refuge in Afghanistan, to enter the country. The Taliban would also prevent al-Qaeda or any other terrorist group from operating there.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is saying that they will not repeat history's mistakes in Afghanistan .... China will not fall into ‘Afghan trap’ as other powers have bitterly learned (Zhang Jiadong, Global Times). 

More News On China's Growing role In Afghanistan  

Afghanistan's Taliban, Now on China's Border, Seek to Reassure Beijing -- WSJ  

China sets targets on Afghanistan as the final US troops depart -- SKY News  

China seeks Pakistani help in stabilising Afghanistan after US pull-out -- SCMP  

China will be the next empire to enter the Afghan 'graveyard' -- Gordon G. Chang, The Hill 

Expert predicts failure as China eyes a move into Afghanistan: 'This is going to be fun to watch' -- FOX News

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