China Pledges $31 Million In Aid To Taliban Interim Government

The Chinese government has pledged $31 million in aid to the Taliban's interim authority. That's more than three times the FBI's reward for information leading to Sirajuddin Haqqani's detention.

According to a report in the Washington Examiner (via MSN News), a Taliban spokesman stated that China is eager to invest and build Afghanistan. According to the report, the country is their most important partner and provides them with a critical and unique opportunity. Furthermore, China serves as an entry point to international markets.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the $31 million in aid during a video conference with colleagues and senior officials from Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Global Times said China will provide Afghanistan with food, winter supplies, immunizations, and pharmaceuticals.

According to Livemint, China said that the Taliban's new interim administration has ended "anarchy" in Afghanistan. They called their move a "necessary step" toward restoring order. Still, they underscored that the Afghan militant group should form a broad-based political structure and pursue moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies.

Al Jazeera, meanwhile, said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that numerous key players had a shady past, including newly appointed interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.

Blinken also said in a news conference at Ramstein Air Base (per Daily Advent): "[The players] certainly does not meet the test of inclusivity, and it includes people who have very challenging track records."

In his remarks, he also stated that the country's cooperation with the Taliban and a government, whether temporary or permanent, will be in the country's best interests and the interests of the US and its allies across the world.

The Taliban established a hardline provisional administration on Tuesday, led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, Associated Press said. BBC added that several high-profile Taliban members have vital positions, including the interior minister, a specifically designated global terrorist of the Haqqani Network.

But according to The Hill, Wang reiterated China's opinion that the Taliban should create a broad-based, inclusive political system. He wished for Afghanistan to create a broad-based, inclusive democratic system, pursue moderate and sensible domestic and foreign policies, combat all forms of terrorism, and live in peace with its neighbors. He likewise added in a Global Times report that the Chinese embassy in Afghanistan is still open.