Biden: China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran seek engagement with Taliban

The US President says that China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran have problems with the Taliban but are seeking some kind of agreement with them. The US State Department, expressing concern about the composition of the Taliban cabinet, has called the Afghan people worthy of an inclusive government.

Joe Biden, in response to a question about concerns about China's financial support for the Taliban, said: "China has a real problem with the Taliban, but it is trying to reach an agreement with them."

Returning to the White House from a trip to areas affected by Hurricane Ida, he added that this also applies to Iran, Pakistan and Russia: "I'm sure everyone is trying to figure out what the Taliban is trying to do."

The United States and its G7 allies have agreed to coordinate their responses to the Taliban. Washington has blocked the Taliban’s access to Afghan financial reserves to give them leverage to ensure they keep their promises and commitments, including respecting women’s rights and adhering to international law. But many experts say those economic levers will be ineffective if China or Russia or any other country provides financial support to the Taliban.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously said in a phone call with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken, that the world should engage with the Taliban and lead them on a constructive path.

China has not recognized the Taliban as the new rulers of Afghanistan, but some media outlets have pointed to the country's determination to deploy Chinese forces at the Bagram military base.

Italy, the current chair of the G20, which also includes China and Russia, was trying to convene a virtual meeting of the group on Afghanistan, but no date has been announced for the meeting, reflecting the disagreement within the group.

Meanwhile, the US State Department, in response to the introduction of the Taliban interim government, expressed concern 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 spokesman emphasized that the Taliban will be judged based on its actions and actions, and that the United States expects to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to threaten any country.

The Taliban list names Sirajuddin Haqqani as interior minister. He is the head of the Haqqani network, which has a track record of some of the bloodiest terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.

Source: DW