China calls for ethnic inclusion and moderate Islamic policy in ‘new’ govt
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China feels it is necessary for Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, to fully support the Afghan peace process and that Afghanistan should ensure all ethnic groups and parties fully participate in the future political lineup.
In a statement issued ahead of a foreign ministers meeting of Central Asian countries, Wang said China also hopes a new government follows a “moderate Muslim policy”.
He also said Beijing “believes that foreign troops should withdraw from Afghanistan in an orderly and responsible manner to prevent any hasty action from adversely affecting and seriously interfering with the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.”
Wang stated that it is necessary for neighboring countries of Afghanistan, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, to coordinate their positions in a timely manner, speak with one voice, and fully support the Afghan peace process.
China put forward the following propositions:
The peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan should firstly implement the principle of “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned”. This is in line with the requirements of UN Security Council’s relevant resolutions and is the political prerequisite for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Second, Afghanistan should form inclusive political arrangements to make sure that all ethnic groups and parties could participate in political life in the future and enjoy equal political rights. This is the right direction to achieve peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Third, Afghan national governance structure in the future should conform to the country’s unique national conditions and development needs, and should not simply copy foreign models, so as to avoid inadaptation and new turbulence and chaos. This is a realistic choice to achieve peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Wang stated that regional countries and the international community hope that the future Afghan government implements a moderate Islamic policy and avoids extremist tendencies; that it opposes all forms of terrorism and does not allow the resurgence of terrorist forces in Afghanistan.
He also said regional countries hope Afghanistan develops good relations with its neighbors and promotes regional peace and stability.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that the second China + Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers meeting will be held in Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province on Wednesday.
On Monday, foreign minister spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed that Wang will host Wednesday’s meeting, which will be attended by foreign ministers from five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This is the second China + Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers meeting and it is being held in Xi’an, the capital city of northwest China’s Shaanxi province.