China is “subtly” monitoring developments in Afghanistan and the transitional government

China and Japan reacted in a subdued manner today in the formation of the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan after the occupation of Kabul by Islamist fighters last month.

Taliban leaders have taken over all senior positions in the new government, with the exception of independents or women.

Mullah Mohammad Hassan Ahud, an aide to the group’s founder, Mullah Omar, has been named prime minister, while Mullah Sirajuddin Haqqani, wanted by the United States for terrorism, has been named interior minister.

China has said the formation of a new government in Afghanistan is a necessary step towards rebuilding the country, a foreign ministry spokesman said in Beijing.

“We hope that the new Afghan authorities will listen to people from all races and factions to meet the aspirations of the people themselves and the expectations of the international community,” Wang Wenbin told reporters.

China is ready to keep in touch with the leaders of the new Taliban government in Afghanistan, he said when asked if Beijing would recognize the new government.

The Asian giant, which borders Afghanistan, had called for the formation of an “open, inclusive” government after the Taliban seized power in August amid chaos following the withdrawal of US troops, ending the country’s 20-year war. .

China respects Afghanistan’s national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Wang said.

In Tokyo, a senior official said Japan was monitoring the Taliban and would continue to work with the United States and other countries, while expressing concern for the safety of civilians in Afghanistan.

“Through various efforts, including a practical dialogue with the Taliban, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and local staff members who remain,” said Katsunobu Kato, chief secretary of the cabinet. He also promised support for the Japanese who want to leave the country.