Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday held a phone talk and exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the China-U.S. relations.

Stressing the situation in Afghanistan has undergone fundamental changes, Wang said it is necessary for all parties to engage with the Taliban and guide them actively. 

The U.S., in particular, needs to work with the international community to provide Afghanistan with urgently needed economic, livelihood and humanitarian assistance, help the new Afghan political structure maintain normal operation of government institutions, maintain social security and stability, curb currency depreciation and inflation, and embark on the journey of peaceful reconstruction at an early date, he said.

Wang said the facts show that the war in Afghanistan has not achieved the goal of removing terrorist forces in Afghanistan, and warned that the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO troops is likely to provide an opportunity for the resurgence of various types of terrorist organizations in the country.  

On the premise of respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence, he urged the U.S. to take concrete actions to help Afghanistan combat terrorism and violence, instead of practicing double standards or fighting terrorism selectively.

Blinken told Wang that the U.S. believes the United Nations Security Council should issue a clear and unified message to the world that the international community expects the Taliban to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign citizens, ensure that the Afghan people receive humanitarian assistance and ensure that the territory cannot become a source of terrorist attacks or a safe haven for terrorism. 

Wang said the U.S. side is clear about the causes of the current chaos in Afghanistan. "If the United Nation Security Council is to take any action, it should help to ease rather than intensify conflicts, and help the situation in Afghanistan to transition smoothly rather than to return to turmoil." 

Blinken expressed his understanding and respect for China's concerns on issues related to Afghanistan.

Wang on U.S. politicization of COVID-19

On China-U.S. relations, Wang noted that the two countries have recently conducted communication on issues such as the situation in Afghanistan and climate change.

Dialogue is better than confrontation, and cooperation is better than conflict, Wang said, adding that the Chinese side will consider how to engage with the U.S. based on its attitude towards China.

"If Washington also wants to bring the China-U.S. relationship back on track, then it should stop slandering China and undermining China's sovereignty, security and developing interests," the foreign minister told Blinken.

The U.S. side should take seriously the two lists China has put forward during the talks in Tianjin as well as the three basic demands as bottom lines that China firmly upholds, Wang added.

Wang also urged the U.S. to stop politicizing COVID-19 origins tracing, which he described as a "political burden" left over by the former U.S. administration. The sooner the U.S. drops that burden, the faster it will get out of the current dilemma, he added.

Blinken said the U.S. does not intend to blame any county on origins tracing, but pointed out that both countries have a responsibility to provide necessary information. He added that Washington would like to keep in contact with China on the issue.

(With input from Xinhua)