China appoints new special envoy to Afghanistan

China has appointed a new special envoy to Afghanistan as it seeks to play a "constructive role" in pushing forward peace and reconciliation process in the warn-torn country.
Former Ambassador to Afghanistan Deng Xijun has been appointed as special envoy as China takes active part in pushing forward peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said here today.
Xijun will replace former Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi who since middle of last year tried to expand Beijing's role in Afghanistan.
Asked about what role China plans to play in the back drop the split in Taliban and renewed violence, Hua said, "we believe that Afghanistan is at a crucial juncture of political and security transition."

"China supports Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. We also appreciate the efforts made by Afghan government to that end. Chinese side will continue to play a constructive role in pushing forward the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan at the will and request of Afghan side," she said.
The appointment of special envoy coincided with the visit to Kabul of Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao who held talks with Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani yesterday.

China also provided USD 1.6 million aid to Afghanistan to provide relief for victims of the recent earthquake.
About the new special envoy, Hua said Deng is "experienced and familiar with Afghan affairs. We believe he will preform well and carry on with his duties in accordance with the requirements."

Last year China had appointed Sun, who famously asserted China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh in 2006 ahead of the then Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to New Delhi, as special envoy to Afghanistan as the Communist nation looked to take active part in the warn-torn country in the backdrop of US and NATO troops withdrawal.
Since then China expanded its role in Afghanistan as Ghani chose to make Beijing his first abroad visit besides working out a truce with Pakistan to ensure peace talks between his government and Taliban representatives sidelining India.
But the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar has dramatically changed the political situation resulting in the split of Taliban leading to the disruption of the peace talks and failed bid by the militants to capture northern city of Kunduz last month.

The rebel outfit of the Taliban also defied Pakistan's control over the organisation.
US President Barack Obama has also reversed his plans to withdraw all the troops from Afghanistan, announcing 5500 American soldiers will remain in the country beyond 2016.
These developments, according to analysts here led to China recalibrating its strategy in Afghanistan.