China Pledges $31 Mln to Afghanistan to Show Support for New Govt: Times

China is extending aid to Afghanistan as the new interim government needed external help for stability, the Global Times said after Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged $31 million worth of food and medical supplies in a meeting with other neighbouring countries on Wednesday. China hopes that its aid can help restore social order and lay a foundation for future friendly interactions, the newspaper said citing Li Haidong, professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University. Wang called for Afghanistan to keep its ports open and maintain security, while China will work on restoring cargo railway services between the two countries, the newspaper said.