KABUL - A spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hong Lei said at a press briefing on Friday that his country supports the 'Afghan-Lead And Afghan-Owned Peace Process.'

"China always holds that reconciliation is a viable solution to the Afghan issue. China supports the 'Afghan-led and Afghan-owned' peace and reconciliation process and hopes relevant parties in Afghanistan will resolve the issue politically through peaceful means. China stands ready to play a constructive role," Hong said.

China calls on relevant parties in Afghanistan to resolve the country's issues through peaceful means, he added.

This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to Pakistan last week. Xi encouraged Islamabad to ramp up its counterterrorism efforts in the region, including in regard to its role as a facilitator in the peace process between Afghanistan and the Taliban.

"China highly appreciates Pakistan's outstanding contribution to international counter-terrorism efforts," Xi said while in Islamabad. "We support the Pakistan in moving forward with its counter-terrorism strategy in light of its own national conditions, and are prepared and willing to continue to help Pakistan strengthen its capacity, its ability to fight terrorism. And we support its effort in the Afghan peace process."

China's recent increased engagement with Afghanistan and Pakistan regarding regional security issues comes just as the NATO coalition withdraws much of its presence from the two countries. Since the founding of the National Unity Government (NUG), China has played a greater role in pressuring Islamabad to get the Taliban to the negotiating table than ever before.

The insurgents have also increased their attacks across the country – with fighting season having been officially launched last week. This is the first time Afghan security forces will face insurgents without the help of foreign troops – who officially handed over security to Afghan national forces at the end of last year. (Tolonews)