China Steps Up Diplomacy as Envoy Visits Kabul and Doha

DID Press: Chinese Special Envoy for Afghanistan Affairs Yue Xiaoyong has concluded a six-day visit to Kabul and Doha, meeting senior Taliban and Qatari officials as part of Beijing’s expanded regional engagement strategy.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, the visit took place from 10 to 16 May 2026 and focused on political developments in Afghanistan, regional coordination, and security concerns linked to the country’s evolving situation.

In Kabul, Yue held separate meetings with Amir Khan Muttaqi and Anas Haqqani, where discussions covered bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and international issues related to Afghanistan.

The envoy later traveled to Doha, where he met Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. Qatari officials said the talks focused on the latest developments in Afghanistan and joint efforts to promote stability and security.

China has intensified its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan in recent years, viewing stability in the country as critical for its western borders and for the success of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Beijing has also maintained active consultations with regional actors including Pakistan, Iran, and Qatar, aiming to build a coordinated framework addressing security risks, economic cooperation, and humanitarian needs.