Zhao Xing’s appointment is a signal to other nations to establish ties with the Taliban.

The move is part of China’s efforts to cement its influence in the region, analysts say.

On Wednesday, Taliban leaders received Mr Zhao at the presidential palace in Kabul.

Among the officials present were acting prime minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

According to Beijing’s foreign ministry, Beijing will “continue to advance dialogue and cooperation” with Afghanistan.

Zhao’s appointment is part of a “normal rotation” of Chinese ambassadors to Afghanistan, the statement said.

Wang Yu, who finished his tenure as ambassador last month, is replaced by him.

After US-led foreign forces withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, China was one of the first countries to engage with the Taliban.