Sharjah24 – AFP: China is ready to deepen "friendly and cooperative" relations with Afghanistan, a government spokeswoman said Monday, after the Taliban seized control of the country.

"China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop friendly and cooperative neighbour relations with Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters.

Commenting on this, Hua Chunying, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, "The situation in Afghanistan has undergone major changes. We respect the wishes and choices of the Afghan people. The war in Afghanistan has lasted for more than 40 years. Stopping war and achieving peace are not only the aspirations of more than 30 million Afghan people, but also the common expectation of the international community, regions and countries."

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson added, "The Afghan Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, and will never allow any forces to use Afghan territory to endanger China. We welcome this."

Concluding her statement, Hua Chunying pointed out, "China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop friendly and cooperative neighbour relations with Afghanistan and play a constructive role in the peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan."