China on Wednesday became the first sovereign state to appoint an ambassador to Kabul under the Taliban leadership.
"This is the normal rotation of China's ambassador to Afghanistan, and is intended to continue advancing dialogue and cooperation between China and Afghanistan," a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement read.
The move was welcomed by the Taliban, with an official of the Islamic regime congratulating Zhao Xing on his appointment as China's top official in Kabul.
"Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban), accepted the credentials of Mr Zhao Xing, the new Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan, during a ceremony," Bilal Karimi, the deputy spokesperson of the Taliban noted.
Though the development was reportedly being viewed with much enthusiasm by the Taliban, believing that China may recognize its government in Afghanistan, Beijing doesn't indicate if such a move was in the offing.
Notably, no foreign nation has recognized the Taliban, largely due to its dismal record on women's issues.
Since storming back to power in August 2021, the Taliban has completely shut women from Afghanistan's workforce and banned them from seeking education except primary school.
Besides, they are under a thick blanket of other restrictions. For instance, females are not allowed to visit public parks, gyms, hotels, and restaurants.
Moreover, they must always be accompanied by a male relative – father, brother, husband, or son, while visiting public places in the impoverished South Asian nation.
* The Taliban is under UN sanctions for extremism.