Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

In response to remarks by US President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his state visit to the UK — in which Trump again criticized the Biden administration's Afghanistan policy, said his government was preparing to retake control of the Bagram Air Base, repeatedly stressed its strategic value, called such a move necessary, and even sought to link it to China by claiming the base is close to China's nuclear facilities — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Friday that China respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and that the country's future should be decided by the Afghan people. 

Lin noted that hyping up tensions and creating confrontation in the region runs counter to people's aspirations, and said China hopes all parties will play a constructive role in truly promoting regional peace and stability.

Global Times