By: Zhao Xing; Chinese Ambassador in Afghanistan-
The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan. Seventy years ago, the elder generation of leaders from both countries, with exceptional vision and steadfast commitment, crossed the towering natural barrier of the Pamir Plateau and built a new bridge of friendly cooperation between China and Afghanistan, opening a new chapter in the millennia-old neighborly ties between the two nations.
Over the past 70 years, China and Afghanistan have stood together regardless of situation, with their friendship growing stronger over time. Afghanistan is one of the first countries to recognize New China, and China has always treated Afghanistan with sincerity and mutual support. In the 1970s, despite being in the early stages of development with limited economic level, the Chinese government and people tightened their belts to assist Afghanistan, building a comprehensive water conservancy project in Parwan Province and the Mirwais Hospital in Kandahar Province. Today, the water conservancy project continues to irrigate vast expanses of farmland, and the Mirwais Hospital serves millions of people, earning the affectionate name “China Hospital.”
Entering the new century, China has firmly supported Afghanistan’s peaceful reconstruction, contributing to landmark projects such as the Jamhuriat Hospital, the Kabul University teaching building and auditorium, and the National Vocational Training Center. During times of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government extended a helping hand at the earliest opportunity, providing emergency aid materials and standing alongside the Afghan people to overcome these challenges together.
At present, the friendly relationship between China and Afghanistan has entered a new stage of development. China has always been a friendly neighbor that supports Afghanistan’s development with peace and stability. China firmly adheres to the policy of “Three Respects” and “Three Nevers”: China respects the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, respects the independent choices made by the Afghan people and respects the religious beliefs and national customs of Afghanistan. China never interferes in Afghanistan’s internal affairs; never seeks self-interests and never pursues the so-called spheres of influence in Afghanistan. Upholding the policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, China has supported Afghanistan’s independent and self-reliant development with concrete actions, setting an example of good neighborliness relations. Across Afghan society, it is widely recognized that China is “the only major country that has never bullied Afghanistan.” China has demonstrated its deep respect for China-Afghanistan friendship through tangible actions, injecting confidence and momentum into the future cooperation between the two countries.
China has consistently been an important partner in Afghanistan’s economic and social reconstruction. Through collaboration between the two countries’ governments and enterprises, key cooperation projects have progressed smoothly. China-Afghanistan bilateral trade expected to exceed USD 1.5 billion in 2024. Via bilateral and multilateral channels, China has provided Afghanistan with over 500 million yuan in various forms of assistance, helping Afghan address challenges such as the pandemic, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. China has also offered Afghanistan more than 2,000 training opportunities in China and awarded the “Ambassador Scholarship” to outstanding university students, aiding Afghanistan in strengthening capacity-building across various fields.
China continues to be a force for justice in advocating for Afghanistan. China has firmly spoken out in favor of Afghanistan at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, calling on the international community to increase humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan, enhance dialogue and engagement with Afghanistan’s interim government, lift unjust sanctions against the country, and urging relevant nations to return the overseas assets belonging to the Afghan people. These efforts underscore China’s sincere goodwill and sense of responsibility in upholding international fairness and justice and supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan has unwaveringly adhered to the One-China principle, supporting China’s firm determination and efforts to safeguard the nation’s unity. We are also pleased to see that an increasing number of Afghan businessmen and students are engaging in trade and studies in China. Kabul-Urumqi direct flight serves as an important link for exchanges between the two countries people. Products such as saffron, pine nuts, and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan are highly popular in the Chinese market. According to relevant authorities, China’s direct investment in Afghanistan saw rapid growth from January to September 2024, ranking first among Asian countries in terms of growth rate. Looking ahead, the potential for practical cooperation between the two countries across various fields is immense, with broad prospects for the future.
As the Chinese old saying goes, the path to mutual benefit lies in keeping pace with the times. Over the course of 70 years of profound transformation, China is now at a critical stage of advancing its great endeavors of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Afghanistan has also emerged from the shadow of prolonged conflict and is committed to pursuing national stability and development. Facing the next 70 years, China is willing to join hands with Afghanistan to jointly pursue development and prosperity, promote regional peace and security, and foster mutual learning and cultural exchange. Let’s work together, to pass on the torch of China-Afghanistan friendship, ensuring it lasts for generations and endures for eternity, and to make new contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a better world for all.
