BEIJING, March 8, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress and answered Russian Tass News Agency’s questions on Afghanistan.
Russian Tass News Agency: Last year, the US government decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Now the international community pays special attention to the peace process in Afghanistan. If the United States withdraws its troops from Afghanistan, will China fill the vacuum left by the United States?
Wang Yi: Afghanistan is at a critical moment, there are both potential dawn for peace and build-up of risks and challenges. Pursuing peace requires more courage than stoking conflict. We appeal to all parties in Afghanistan to set store by the greater good of the country and the people, seize the major opportunity for political reconciliation, settle differences through dialogue, beat swords into ploughshares, and join hands to push open the door to peace. We call on the international community give firm support to the “Afghan lead, Afghan owned” peace and reconciliation process, play a constructive role from the sideline and build a momentum for dialogue.
There is no vacuum in Afghanistan needs to be filled, because the land belongs to the people of Afghanistan. This year marks the centenary of Afghanistan’s independence. We ardently hope that this country, after suffering so much, will have a rebirth, take destiny into its own hands fromnow on, and enjoy genuine independence and lasting peace. Afghanistan should not again become an arena of great-power rivalry, nor should it be subject to incessant conflict and mayhem. As Afghanistan's neighbor and friend, China will respect its people's wish and needs, continue to do its best for reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan. (Monitoring Desk)