China has become the first country to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan following the Taliban’s rise to power in August 2021. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xing presented his credentials to Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hasan Akhund in Kabul, emphasizing China’s commitment to not exerting influence or interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Zhao highlighted the progress made in cooperation between the two nations in areas such as anti-corruption, crime prevention, drug control, and economic and security matters. The move was welcomed by the Taliban leadership as a potential catalyst for stronger diplomatic relations, but it does not imply official recognition of the Taliban administration by China.