US war in Afghanistan claimed average of 250 lives on a daily basis.
BEIJING, Oct 8, (Asia Free Press): Chinese foreign ministry said US troops entered Afghanistan in the name of counter-terrorism 20 years ago and started its two-decade-long military intervention and occupation.
Responding to a question regarding 20th anniversary of the US’ invasion of Afghanistan on October 7, 2021, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said It undermined Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and socioeconomic development and also caused a humanitarian disaster there. According to academic assessment, the war in Afghanistan claimed an average of 250 lives on a daily basis.
“According to the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, during the war, more than 100,000 Afghan civilians were killed by US troops, hundreds of thousands were injured, and tens of millions became refugees,” he said.
“Historical records and facts have proven that what the US has done in Afghanistan is out of selfish interest. It is for selfish interest that the US waged the war.”
“It is for selfish interest that the US kept its troops stationed in Afghanistan. It is also for selfish interest that the US initiated a reckless troops withdraw,” he added.
Referring to the current situation after withdrawal of US troops, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that now the Afghan people have a window of opportunity to realize peace and start reconstruction.
“The international community should, on the basis of respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, support the Afghan people in taking control of their own destiny and help Afghanistan maintain stability, prevent chaos and realize sound development,” he said.
He criticised the Washington attitude toward Afghanistan and said the “culprit” of the Afghan issue, the US cannot shirk its responsibility for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.
“It should be responsible for what it has done in the past two decades and cannot simply walk away and shift the responsibility for reconstruction to the international community.”
He asked the Washington to change its misguided old habits of wantonly resorting to military interference in other countries and imposing its own will on others to avoid the repetition of the tragedy that has claimed and ruined so many lives.
Responding to a question regarding the expected Moscow summit on Afghanistan on October 20, Lijian said his country’s supports all international efforts that are conducive to promoting peace and stability and gathering consensus in Afghanistan.
“The Chinese side has received Russia’s invitation. We stand ready to maintain communication and coordination with relevant sides including Russia.”
