Diplomatic triumph

The Taliban dispensation in Kabul got a shot in the arm as the Chinese ‘ambassador’ presented his credentials. This is a first of its kind since the Taliban 2.0 took over the reins of power in Kabul in August 2021. The diplomatic feat was on the part of Beijing as it designated its new envoy to Afghanistan as a full ambassador, and did not duck behind the exigency of formal pending recognition to the militia. Unlike China, all other emissaries from world capitals are designated as ‘charge-d’affaires’ presently or in the capacity of counsels as acknowledgment to the junta is not yet on the cards. The smart move on the part of the communist state and, likewise, by the leadership Taliban simply exhibited the vision to get-along and that too at a time when the chips are down in the region on the premise of geo-economics and security conundrum.

Afghanistan’s Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, accepted the credentials of Zhao Xing, who came to replace Ambassador Wang Yu. The euphoria also led to speculations that China may be the first to recognise the Taliban government, but was followed by discreet silence from Chinese authorities. The Taliban too by not speaking in public about the veracity or otherwise of acknowledgment have played it tactfully, leaving open the space for other regional and major powers to follow suit. The infant government is in dire need of international support as it copes with an existential crisis, as well as the uphill task of nation-building. The Chinese who have already showcased their BRI through the Central Asian states and Afghanistan have invested immensely in the war-torn country, and this decision of buoying up diplomatic cushion is a step in the right direction.

The Chinese acumen must be reciprocated by the Taliban by opting for an inclusive government, and acting against all the dreaded elements who have made Afghanistan their safe haven. Uprooting the terror menace and opening up the society through egalitarian measures, such as education for all, empowering the women strata and rights of minorities, is a must to win over diplomatic recognition. This is how a leap forward can be made in defeating reclusiveness.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2023.

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