"I read the report when I was in Islamabad and accompanied [Foreign] Minister Wang Yi. The report said that the office of the special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan was closed down. And Ms. Miller left her post. I sincerely do not know what would happen to the US policy on Afghanistan. I am interested to know how Afghanistan’s government would react to the news, because the United States plays an important role in the Afghan issue. What now if the office is closed? Does this mean a major change in the US policy?" Deng told reporters.
He noted that the United States’ actions raise questions about the manner in which Washington intends to settle the Afghan issue, since the US envoy was supposed to promote peace negotiations.
"I honestly do not know if the United States would give more attention to the military side rather than promoting negotiation. Though Ms. Miller had told me very clearly here in Beijing that the new US administration still considers political settlement as the only way to peace and stability in Afghanistan," Deng said.
During the weekend, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan, convincing both Islamabad and Kabul to establish a China-mediated crisis management mechanism that would enhance dialogue between the two countries.
US media reported on June 15 that Pentagon plans to send another 4,000 troops to Afghanistan.
