Islamabad: China on Tuesday advised its citizens to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible after the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization attacked a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul. The Chinese advisory is a major blow to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers as the administration seeks to attract foreign investment to save the Afghan economy from ruin. China also gave a package of millions of dollars to help the Taliban government. In return, the Taliban government leased many mines to China. Significantly, almost a year ago, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on Chinese citizens
The Taliban’s main rival, Islami, claimed responsibility for the attack on Kabul’s Longan Hotel on Monday. The attack killed three attackers and at least two guests who tried to escape by jumping from the building’s window. According to pictures available on social media, billows of smoke were seen billowing from the 10-storey building of the hotel located in Shar-i-Naw. According to local residents, they also heard explosions and gunshots.
China has demanded a detailed investigation into the attack
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Tuesday described the attack as horrific and said China was deeply saddened by it. Wang pointed out that China has demanded a detailed investigation and asked the Taliban government to “take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions/establishments and projects in Afghanistan.” Wang said the Chinese embassy in Kabul has also sent a team to help those affected by the attack.
Good relations with Chinese Taliban
On 15 August 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. After this, the Taliban government has always turned to China for financial support. In October, Taliban-appointed government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid highlighted China as an important part of Afghanistan’s economic development. China has also announced its ambitions to play a leading role in Afghanistan after the ouster of US forces. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently called on the US at a regional conference to remove Afghan assets held abroad and end sanctions on the Taliban government.