China signals interest in playing bigger role in Afghanistan
As Western troops prepare to pull out of war-ravaged country, Premier Li Keqiang urges various political factions to help build better future
Beijing yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to helping war-torn Afghanistan end decades of bloodshed, and called on the country's political factions to set aside their differences.
Premier Li Keqiang issued the call at the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Conference, a regional gathering to discuss Afghanistan's future.
Hosting the conference for the first time, Beijing signalled its interest in playing a bigger role in the nation ahead of the withdrawal of most Western troops.
Their departure has triggered fears that unrest in the neighbour could spill over the border into the restive region of Xinjiang , and put China's investments in Afghanistan at risk.
Countries taking part in the conference endorsed support for 64 economic, infrastructure and education projects to help rebuild Afghanistan.
Convening the conference, Li said peace and stability in Afghanistan had a direct bearing on China. "The various political factions in Afghanistan should set aside their grievances and take part in the political reconciliation process in the interests of national peace and development," Li said.