Key role seen for China in ensuring Afghan stability

Beijing's recent reception of a senior Afghan military officer and the reported visit by a Taliban delegation show that China is playing an important role in maintaining stability in the region, analysts said.

While meeting in Beijing on Sunday with Qadam Shah Shahim, chief of staff of the General Staff of the Afghan National Army, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan expressed gratitude toward Afghanistan for the country's support in fighting the terrorist East Turkestan Islamic Movement, according to a statement released by the ministry on Sunday.

Shahim said Afghanistan would like to deepen cooperation with China in fighting terrorists including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, the statement said.