China has urged intensified international cooperation to address Afghanistan's political and humanitarian challenges, with Permanent Representative to the UN Fu Cong emphasizing the need for coordinated action during a Security Council session this week. The appeal came as members voted to extend the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate through a three-month provisional arrangement.
Fu stressed that lasting stability requires both the Afghan government and global partners to 'gradually address each other's legitimate concerns' through sustained dialogue. The resolution passed on Monday reaffirmed support for UNAMA's work while calling for immediate removal of restrictions preventing Afghan women from participating in UN operations.
Highlighting urgent economic needs, Fu urged traditional donor nations to resume financial assistance and pressed for the unfreezing of Afghan Central Bank assets. 'Countries bearing historical responsibility toward Afghanistan must lead recovery efforts,' he stated, noting that 2026 has seen worsening food insecurity affecting over 28 million residents.
The resolution also addressed security concerns, demanding stronger counterterrorism measures to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist haven. While extending UNAMA's mandate through June 2026 rather than the customary annual renewal, Fu clarified this allows time to 'strengthen, not weaken' the mission's capacity to support political solutions.
As humanitarian organizations report a 40% funding shortfall for 2026 operations, China pledged to work with all parties to advance women's education access and economic revitalization programs. The developments come amid renewed diplomatic activity across Central Asia, with Afghanistan's stability remaining crucial for regional connectivity projects.
