China reacts guardedly to US move to retain troops in Afghan

A day after President Barack Obama dropped his plans to withdraw nearly-all American troops from Afghanistan, a wary China today reacted guardedly saying it has "noted" the US decision and hoped that Washington will "properly handle its engagement" in the war-torn country.
China, which has backed the Afghan-Taliban peace talks, hoped that Washington will play a "responsible role."
"We have noted the report. We hope the US continue to play a responsible role, properly handle its engagement in Afghanistan and the transfer of security responsibility," Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying told reporters.
She expressed hope that the US respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and play a constructive role in Afghanistan's reconstruction, regional peace and stability.

Following the announcement of the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar earlier this year, China has toned down its role in the conflict-torn country.
The peace talks broke down after the announcement of Omar's death, leading to divisions among Taliban factions.

China had expanded its role in Afghanistan with the backing from Pakistan as the US earlier planned to withdraw its troops.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, after coming to power, had turned to Pakistan and China for support. His went to Beijing on his first foreign visit, and launced peace talks with the Taliban backed by the US, China and Pakistan, raising concerns in India.

China had appointed a special envoy for Afghanistan as it was concerned that the withdrawal of NATO troops will leave a hotbed of militancy at its doorstep. It has also hosted peace talks between Taliban leaders and Afghan government.
China's pro-active Afghan diplomacy began after the US and NATO started the phased withdrawal of their troops a year ago.
But Obama in a reversal of his long-held intention to exit the conflict in Afghanistan yesteday announce the decision to retain 9,800 troops through 2016 and leave behind 5,500 soldiers when he leaves office in January 2017.
His decision followed mounting pressure to change the US strategy in response to the increasing insurgent violence, including an assault by Taliban militants who briefly seized control of the northern city of Kunduz.