Biden: China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran Seek to Engage with Taliban
The US President says China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran have problems with the Taliban but are seeking some form of agreement with them. The US State Department, expressing concern about the composition of the Taliban cabinet, has deemed the Afghan people worthy of an inclusive government.
Joe Biden, responding to a question about concerns over China’s financial support for the Taliban, said: “China has a real problem with the Taliban but is trying to reach an agreement with them.”
As he returned to the White House from visiting areas damaged by Hurricane Ida, he added that this applies to Iran, Pakistan, and Russia as well: “I’m sure they’re all trying to figure out what the Taliban wants to do.”
The United States and its allies in the G7 have agreed to coordinate their responses to the Taliban. Washington has blocked Taliban access to Afghanistan’s financial reserves to have leverage to ensure their promises and approaches, including respect for women’s rights and adherence to international law. However, many experts say that if China, Russia, or any other country provides financial aid to the Taliban, these economic levers will become ineffective.
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, previously told his American counterpart Anthony Blinken in a phone call that the world should engage with the Taliban and guide them toward a constructive path.
China has not formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s new rulers, but some media outlets have pointed to the country’s intention to deploy Chinese forces at Bagram military base.
Italy, the current chair of the G20, which includes China and Russia, was attempting to organize a virtual meeting of the group on Afghanistan, but no date has been announced for this meeting, indicating disagreement within the group.
Meanwhile, the US State Department, in response to the introduction of the Taliban’s interim government, expressed concerns about the backgrounds of some individuals. A spokesperson for the department said: “It is the right of the Afghan people to have an inclusive government.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the Taliban will be judged by their actions and deeds, and the US expects to be assured that Afghan soil will not be used to threaten any country.
In the Taliban list, Sirajuddin Haqqani has been appointed as Interior Minister. He is the leader of the Haqqani Network, which has a record of the bloodiest terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.
Source: DW
