China pledges support for US-Taliban peace agreement

China on Monday pledged its support for U.S.-Taliban peace agreement in Afghanistan and called for “orderly and responsible" withdrawal of foreign troops to avoid a power vacuum and possible terrorist resurgence.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said reconciliation process should be “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," despite Taliban's refusal thus far to negotiate directly with Afghanistan's elected government.

China shares a narrow border with Afghanistan and is wary of crime and violence spilling over into its volatile Xinjiang region, which is on a virtual lock-down after years of anti-government bloodshed. China has also provided aid to Afghan government and is seeking to profit by helping develop country's deposits of copper and or minerals.

China's desire for stability and concerns about spread of extremism are partly at odds with its desire to see its chief rival, United States, leave region, which it considers part of its sphere of influence. As a result, it has sought to build influence with both government in Kabul and Taliban.

“We welcome agreement between U.S. and Taliban and believe it is of a positive significance for final political resolution of Afghan issue," Zhao said.

“China believes that foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan should be withdrawn in an orderly and responsible way, which will ensure a steady transition in Afghan situation, avoid a security vacuum, and leave chance to terrorist organizations strengning mselves."

Zhao said China was willing to “continue to be a supporter, mediator and facilitator of peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan," a reference to its friendly ties with Afghanistan's successive governments since toppling of Taliban government by U.S. more than 18 years ago.

U.S. on Saturday signed a peace agreement with insurgents to end costly war and bring American troops home, opening way for first negotiations between militants and troubled Afghan government, which is dependent on U.S. and or foreign backing.

agreement envisions Afghan government representatives at negotiating table with Taliban, but only in role of ordinary Afghans. It is also contingent on Taliban cutting ties with terrorist groups such as al-Qaida, something it's unclear militants are willing or able to do.