China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, described on Tuesday the end of the United States’ military engagement in Afghanistan as a challenge and opportunity for the United States, one that required mature “reflection and correction” on the part of the United States and other nations. He began by saying that “...the Afghan people are standing at a new starting point for peace and reconstruction…. The past and present of Afghanistan demonstrates that the realization of peace, stability and economic development will be impossible without the establishment of an open and inclusive political structure, implementation of moderate and prudent foreign and domestic policies and a clean break with terrorist groups in all forms.” He stated that “China will continue to maintain close communication and coordination with all parties in Afghanistan and the international community, and provide utmost support and assistance to help Afghanistan restore peace, rebuild economy, combat all terrorist groups, including ETIM, and integrate into the international community.”
Then he turned to the United States: “We hope that relevant countries will realize the fact that withdrawal is not the end of responsibility, but the beginning of reflection and correction.” This includes not “imposing their own models on others” and changing “the hegemonic practice of imposing sanctions or even using force at every turn. The US and some other Western countries should provide Afghanistan with urgently needed assistance for the economy, livelihood and humanitarian needs, help Afghan people overcome difficulties as soon as possible and start peaceful reconstruction at an early date. What they should not do is to simply take to their heels and leave a mess behind.” This includes helping “the new authority maintain the normal operations of governing institutions, maintain public order and stability, curb currency depreciation and price increase, and embark on the path of peaceful reconstruction.”
