China offers US$31 million in aid to Afghanistan

Package includes food and coronavirus vaccines – and a commitment to rebuild the country’s economy and society

Beijing yet to formally recognise Taliban-led regime despite speculation that it could take on greater involvement in Afghanistan

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The Taliban’s new interim government is dominated by figures from its hardline rule in the 1990s. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:00pm, 8 Sep 2021Updated: 11:27pm, 8 Sep 2021

China announced on Wednesday that it would donate 200 million yuan (US$31 million) worth of aid, including food and coronavirus vaccines, to Afghanistan.

The commitment came on the same day that Beijing said it was ready to maintain communication with Kabul after the Taliban took “a necessary step” by naming an interim government.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the donation in a meeting with counterparts from Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Wang said China would work with countries in the region to help Afghanistan rebuild its economy and society, as well as fight terrorist groups and the illegal drug trade.

The Taliban on Tuesday announced an all-male, ethnic Pashtun-dominated cabinet featuring senior figures notorious for their hardline rule in the 1990s and responsible for attacks against US-led international forces over the past two decades.

The militant group had promised to form an inclusive Afghanistan government – among the criteria that could gain the international recognition it needs to prevent an economic meltdown and food crisis.

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