While the US Focuses on Ukraine, China Aligns with US Rival Countries and Forms a Trio

King's Visit to Afghanistan as Preparatory Work for the 3rd Afghanistan Neighboring Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting
Russian Foreign Minister Also Attends... India’s Attendance Under Pressure Over Ukraine Issue Remains Uncertain

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Countries standing at odds with the United States will face each other in Beijing, China, at the end of this month. Analysts suggest that while the attention of the Western camp, including the U.S., is focused on Ukraine due to Russia's invasion, China is consolidating its influence.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to state-run Xinhua News Agency and Global Times on the 25th, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, held talks on the 24th (local time) in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's second-in-command and Deputy Prime Minister.

During the meeting, Minister Wang stated, "China is willing to develop normal and friendly neighborly relations with Afghanistan," adding, "China does not seek personal interests or influence in Afghanistan." This was interpreted as a distinction from the United States.

Wang also emphasized, "China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty, territory, religion, and customs," and highlighted, "China is the only country that does not harm Afghanistan."

Deputy Prime Minister Baradar said, "Afghanistan will contribute to China's security issues as well as regional security maintenance," and added, "We will not allow terrorists to operate on Afghan territory." He also expressed gratitude for China's humanitarian aid during the most difficult times and expressed hope to expand trade with China.

Regarding Wang's visit to Afghanistan, the state-run Global Times analyzed it as preparatory work for the 3rd Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Afghanistan's Neighboring Countries to be held in Beijing at the end of this month.

The meeting scheduled for the 31st is reported to be attended by foreign ministers from Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. All countries expected to attend stand at odds with the United States.

Notably, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to attend this meeting. India's participation, which shows differing views from the U.S. on the Russia issue, is also reportedly open.

Professor Chang Feng of Tsinghua University's National Strategy Research Institute said, "The U.S. is pressuring India to stop trading Russian weapons and oil," adding, "China and India share similar positions on the Ukraine situation."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not confirmed reports that Minister Wang left Kabul and traveled to New Delhi, India.

Professor Zhu Yongbiao of Lanzhou University's Afghanistan Research Center said, "At the Beijing meeting, China will discuss international and regional interests with Afghanistan's neighboring countries and play a mediating role."

Meanwhile, Chinese media have not reported whether this meeting will be held in person or via video conference.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.