China’s foreign minister makes surprise stop in Afghanistan

By KATHY GANNON
Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — China’s foreign minister has made a surprise stop in Afghanistan’s capital to meet with the country’s new Taliban rulers even as the international community fumes over the former insurgents’ broken promise to reopen schools for girls beyond the sixth grade. The Bakhtar News Agency reported that Wang Yi will meet with Taliban leaders on Thursday “to discuss various issues, including the extension of political relations, economic, and transit cooperation.” The Taliban seized power last August amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from the country. They are seeking international recognition in order to open up Afghanistan’s economy, which has been in free fall since their takeover.