PESHAWAR: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing commenting on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) said the multi-billion dollar corridor would be expanded to other regional states, including Afghanistan.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, the ambassador said around 10,000 Chinese nationals were working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, and he has been satisfied with the steps taken by Pakistan for their security. According to the ambassador, around 60,000 Pakistanis were working on CPEC-related projects.

Ambassador Yao Jing emphasised that the law and order situation in Pakistan had improved significantly compared to the past.

He added that the corridor was in its first phase, under which, work is ongoing on 21 projects, whereas another 20 were in the pipeline. Ambassador Yao Jing was hopeful that Gwadar was close to becoming an international trade hub.

China in contact with Afghan Taliban’s Qatar office

During the interview, the ambassador said China was in contact with the Afghan Taliban’s office in Qatar and has repeatedly asked them to participate in talks.

However, the ambassador said that China does not have influence over the Afghan Taliban.

Speaking on relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ambassador Yao Jing said his country wishes for cordial relations between the two neighbours and is also striving for Afghan reconciliation process.