In line with its anti-terrorism policy, China recently voted in favor of a UN resolution imposing sanctions on Afghanistan's Taliban, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said at a press conference on November 4. "Long-lasting warfare and social instability have landed Afghanistan and its people into a pit of misery, a situation for which China has deep concern and compassion," Zhang said. China is in principle against the frequent use of sanctions, which would only worsen the misery of the Afghanistan people, according to the spokeswoman. "Sanctions should only be employed as a last resort, and carried out with clear distinction," she said. The Chinese government consistently opposes all forms of terrorism, she emphasized. Based on this principle, China took an active role in the discussion of the resolution concerning the Afghanistan issue by the UN Security Council, and voted in favor of the resolution, according to Zhang. |