Taliban appeal for international recognition, say China has 'big role' to play

The Taliban, which shared close ties with Pakistan, have been warming up to Beijing ahead of its recent offensive resulting in seizing power in Kabul.

Beijing: The Taliban have appealed to the international community to recognise it amid growing resentment against it at home and abroad, even as the Afghan militant group sought to placate China, saying Beijing can play a 'big role' under its rule in the strife-torn country. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the international community should "respect the will of the Afghan people" and officially recognise his group which has taken over power in Kabul. Dismissing growing concerns over the Taliban curbing the freedoms of women under its plans to impose Sharia law like it did during its previous rule 20 years ago, Shaheen told China's state-run CGTN TV that the new Taliban government in Kabul would protect women's rights to education and work. He also urged international monetary organisations to release funds to the new government. The Taliban, which shared close ties with Pakistan, have been warming up to Beijing ahead of its recent offensive resulting in seizing power in Kabul. "China is a big country with a huge economy and capacity. They can play a big role in rebuilding, reconstruction of Afghanistan," Shaheen said. "We have had a relationship with China and Russia during the past years. We have told them they should not have any concern from Afghanistan," he said.