Meet In Tianjin: Chinese Foreign Minister Reaffirms Assistance Commitment, Taliban Deputy Leader Seeks Territorial Security

JAKARTA - A Taliban delegation consisting of nine people visited China for a working visit, discussing several matters with the Chinese Government, represented by Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on this occasion.

In a statement delivered by one of his spokesmen, in general, the Taliban and China discussed the peace process and security issues of each side.

"Political, economic, and issues related to the security of the two countries and the current situation of Afghanistan and the peace process were discussed at the meeting", Taliban spokesman, Mohammed Naeem said on Twitter.

Naeem added that the group, led by Taliban negotiator and Deputy leader Mullah Baradar Akhund, also met with China's special envoy to Afghanistan. This meeting, called Naeem, was carried out after an invitation from the Chinese authorities.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that senior Chinese diplomat and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with representatives of the Taliban in Tianjin City, northern China.

The visit is likely to further strengthen recognition of the Taliban on the international stage at a sensitive time when violence is escalating in Afghanistan.

Previously, the Taliban, which has a political office in Qatar, was also holding peace talks with the Afghan government and sent representatives to Iran where they also held a meeting with the Afghan government delegation.

Security in Afghanistan, which borders China, is deteriorating rapidly as the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition forces continues, which is due to expire in September.

The Taliban immediately launched a series of attacks, taking control of districts and border crossing posts in parts of Afghanistan, while peace talks in the Qatari capital, Doha have not made any substantive progress.

"(The delegation) assured China they would not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against China", Naeem said.

"China also reaffirmed its commitment to continue their assistance with Afghanistan and said they will not interfere in Afghanistan's problems but will help solve problems and restore peace in the country", he concluded.