China is the Taliban’s “principal partner” in the international community, the Islamist group has said in its strongest signal yet of diplomatic priorities.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Thursday claimed Beijing was “ready to invest in and reconstruct” Afghanistan as he set out hopes that China would provide a gateway into global markets.
His remarks offer the clearest indication to date of the diplomatic direction in which the Taliban is turning, as well as how it intends to solve the economic crisis crippling the country.
Mr Mujahid said the Chinese would revive Afghan copper mining and production as he expressed admiration for the One Belt One Road project under which China extends significant loans to other countries to invest in infrastructure.
I understand that economic growth is a priority for them to maintain long-term rule over the country, but I am wondering why they are willing to overlook China's dismal treatment of its Uighur Muslim population and even go as far as to say that China is its biggest ally without expressing any concern for China's treatment of its Uighur Muslim population. Is there a particular reason for this?