China calls for resolution of Afghanistan issue through political means, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday, noting that China will continue to maintain communication and cooperation in this regard and play a constructive role in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the war-torn country.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the U.S. troops will begin their final withdrawal from Afghanistan on May 1 and are expected to withdraw all before September 11.

Noting that the Afghan security situation remains grim and complex, Zhao said the problem of terrorism is far from being resolved.

He stressed that China's position is always consistent and clear that foreign troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan appropriately to ensure the situation there remains stable and orderly and to prevent a regrouping of terrorist forces.

The relevant actions of the U.S. side should fully consider and respect Afghanistan's sovereign independence and territorial integrity, the spokesperson added.

He also urged the U.S. to effectively take its responsibility to maintain the achievements of peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan and fully take into account the legitimate concerns of regional countries.

Some linked the U.S. withdrawal plan with the so-called response to China's challenge. Zhao responded it reflects the dark psychology of some people and deep-seated Cold War mindset and zero-sum game mentality.

He warned these remarks could undermine the mutual trust between China and the U.S. and are not conducive to the coordination and cooperation between the two countries on international and regional issues.