China Offers Mediation In Afghan Reconciliation Talks

China has offered to play a "constructive role” in stalled efforts to engage the Afghan Taliban in peace negotiations.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the comments at a joint press conference with Pakistani foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on February 12.

Wang said China will support the Afghan government in “realizing reconciliation with various political factions, including the Taliban."

He said Beijing would “provide necessary facilitation at any time if it is required by various parties in Afghanistan."

Afghanistan and its Western backers have been trying to bring moderate Taliban figures to the negotiating table to end years of wars in the country.

The talks collapsed in 2013 after Taliban representatives angered Kabul by trying to open an office in Qatar.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters