China appointed ambassador to Afghanistan, the first country to do so under Taliban rule

China on Wednesday appointed its new ambassador to Afghanistan. China is the first country in the world to raise the level of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan by appointing an ambassador during the two-year rule of Taliban in Kabul. However, embassies of many countries including China are already functioning in Kabul.

While the Taliban has expressed happiness over this step of China and has requested other countries to establish similar warm relations with Afghanistan, China has hesitantly clarified its step of appointing an ambassador. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said, this is a normal appointment to the post of ambassador. This will help in dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan.

Taliban also released pictures of the ceremony

On Wednesday, Zhao Jing reached the Presidential Palace and presented the documents related to his appointment to the post of ambassador to the acting Prime Minister of the Taliban government, Muhammad Hassan Akhund. The Chinese ambassador's documents were accepted at a ceremony organized by the Taliban government. Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Muttaki was also present on this occasion. This information was given by Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban government. Taliban has also released photos of the ceremony.

Former Ambassador Wang's tenure was completed last August

Former Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Wang Yu was working in Kabul since 2019 and his tenure was completed only in August last. Pakistan and the European Union have also sent senior diplomats to head their embassies in Kabul during the Taliban regime, but instead of giving them the post of ambassador, they have given them the position of charge d'affairs.

The Charge d'Affaires is not the top official of the embassy and does not have to submit documents related to his appointment to the government of the country concerned. The Taliban took power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, after US-led NATO troops left Kabul. Till that time, there was a US-backed Ashraf Ghani government in Afghanistan.

Afghan students demand visa and scholarship

Despite the expiry of their visa period, hundreds of Afghan students living in India have demanded extension of their residence period and grant of scholarship. On Wednesday, these students demonstrated in New Delhi and demanded extension of visa period from the Indian government so that they can complete their studies in India. In past years, the Indian government used to give scholarships to thousands of students from many countries including Afghanistan. But after the Taliban government took over in Afghanistan, there was a hindrance in getting scholarships for Afghan students. The result was that Afghan students' education was disrupted.