First Chinese Ambassador Welcomed In Afghanistan Since Takeover 

China has become the first country to name an ambassador to Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

The Taliban said that Zhao Xing’s appointment is a sign for other nations to establish ties with its government.

According to analysts, it is part of China’s moves to cement its influence in the region.

BBC reported that the Taliban leaders received Mr. Zhao at the presidential palace in the capital Kabul on Wednesday in a lavish ceremony.

According to reports, the officials present included acting prime minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

China’s foreign ministry said Beijing will “continue advancing dialogue and cooperation” with Afghanistan and that its policy towards the country is “clear and consistent”.

Mr Zhao’s appointment is part of a “normal rotation” of Chinese ambassadors to Afghanistan, it added.

He replaces Wang Yu, who finished his tenure as ambassador last month.

The Taliban has not been formally recognized by any foreign government, but China was among the first countries to engage with them after US-led foreign forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021.