China expects steady paced security power transition in Afghanistan
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Xinhua, June 23, 2011
China expects a peaceful and stable security power transition in Afghanistan, said a foreign ministry spokesman at a news briefing Thursday.
Spokesman Hong Lei responded to U.S.President Barack Obama's White House Speech on Wednesday, in which Obama announced his plans for a drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
In his speech, Obama announced the drawdown of 10,000 troops by the end of the year, with a possible 20,000 more next year.
Obama said that by 2014, the process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security.
China respects Afghanistan's independence and sovereignty, Hong said.
"China hopes that relevant parties will take responsibility in transferring security power to Afghanistan and help the country beef up its capability on security building so to ensure a peaceful and stable transition," he added.
