China mum on reports to be a guarantor for Afghan peace deal

BEIJING: China declined to confirm reports that it is willing to be a "guarantor" along with Pakistan of a possible peace deal between Afghanistan and Taliban but said it will maintain "close cooperation" with all parties for reconciliation in the war-torn country

"China has always supported the process of reconciliation, encouraging and supporting the Afghan government and the Taliban to carry out peace talks, and always maintained close contacts with relevant parties concerned," the Chinese foreign ministry told PTI, when sought response to a media report from Pakistan.

"China is willing to work with all parties to continue to maintain close cooperation, for the realisation of inclusive Afghan peace and reconciliation and play a constructive role," the ministry said, skirting a direct response to reports that it was willing to be a guarantor for the possible peace deal.

The Express Tribune newspaper in Pakistan in a recent report said Pakistan and China are ready to become 'guarantors' of a possible peace deal between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban.

"We are ready to go the extra mile. We are even willing to become guarantors for any peace agreement," the daily quoted Pakistani official as saying.

The Chinese response came as Beijing is set to host a meeting between Afghanistan government officials and Taliban representatives on July 30.

China, which has invested heavily in Afghanistan's mineral sector, began to play a major role as a peacemaker in Afghanistan as US and NATO troops winded up their missions.

China hopes stabilisation of Afghanistan could contribute to stability in its Xinjiang province which share borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

China has also held talks with India, Pakistan and Russia to discuss Afghanistan situation.

Besides proactive diplomacy in Afghanistan, China is closely monitoring the Pakistan military offensive in Pakistan tribal areas where Xinjiang's separatist militant outfit, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, (ETIM) has become active.

ETIM was blamed for recent violent attacks in Xinjiang and several other Chinese cities, including Beijing.