text: [{"text_idx": "#000003", "text": "Taliban appoints Chinese envoy in first since takeover"}, {"text_idx": "#000004", "text": "The Taliban have not been officially recognised by any foreign government. (AP pic)"}, {"text_idx": "#000005", "text": "KABUL: A new Chinese ambassador presented his credentials to the Taliban\u2019s prime minister in Kabul today, Afghan officials said, adding it was the first appointment of a foreign envoy at the ambassadorial level since the Taliban took power in 2021."}, {"text_idx": "#000006", "text": "The Taliban have not been officially recognised by any foreign government. It was not immediately clear if today\u2019s appointment signalled any steps by Beijing towards formal recognition of the Taliban."}, {"text_idx": "#000007", "text": "China\u2019s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment."}, {"text_idx": "#000009", "text": "A Taliban administration foreign ministry spokesman confirmed he was the first ambassador appointed since August 2021 when the Taliban took over as foreign forces withdrew."}, {"text_idx": "#000010", "text": "China\u2019s previous ambassador to Afghanistan, Wang Yu, took up the role in 2019 and finished his tenure last month."}, {"text_idx": "#000011", "text": "Other nations and international delegations, such as Pakistan and the European Union, have sent senior diplomats to lead diplomatic missions in Kabul but they have taken on a \u201ccharge d\u2019affaires\u201d title, usually meaning they are responsible for ambassadorial duties but do not formally hold the role of ambassador."}, {"text_idx": "#000012", "text": "Some ambassadors appointed during the previous foreign-backed Afghan government have also stayed in Kabul with the same title."}, {"text_idx": "#000013", "text": "The Taliban entered the capital on Aug 15, 2021, as the Afghan security forces, set up with years of Western support, disintegrated and US-backed President Ashraf Ghani fled."}, {"text_idx": "#000015", "text": "Chinese #MeToo, labour activists indicted for subversion"}, {"text_idx": "#000018", "text": "Rights groups slam \u2018cruel\u2019 Taliban ban on women in national park"}, {"text_idx": "#000019", "text": "BYD produces five millionth new energy vehicle, a Denza N7; pays tribute to Chinese automakers in film"}, {"text_idx": "#000022", "text": "Taiwan says Chinese air force approached close to island\u2019s coast"}, {"text_idx": "#000023", "text": "Honda CEO admits Chinese EV makers are well ahead, but says it will respond with strong electrification plan"}, {"text_idx": "#000024", "text": "Taliban say ban on women working for UN \u2018internal social matter\u2019"}, {"text_idx": "#000025", "text": "Taiwan says 1 Chinese aircraft, 3 warships detected around island"}]