Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, has rejected reports of tensions in relations between the group and China, saying that ties between the two sides are progressing.

Mujahid said on Sunday, November 8, in a newly released audio message broadcast by the Taliban-run National Television, that relations between the Taliban and China are advancing and that reports by certain circles about tensions in these ties are “incorrect.”

He stated that relations between the two sides have strengthened compared to the past and that they maintain good cooperation in the trade sector.

Without naming anyone, Zabihullah Mujahid said that some people are attempting to spread false reports to create concern.

This comes days after the intelligence and analytical publication Intelligence Online reported that China had downgraded its diplomatic relations with the Taliban administration.

The report stated that, amid growing disagreements with the Taliban, China had downgraded the administration’s status in its relations to that of an ordinary commercial partner.

Sources also told the publication that Russian President Vladimir Putin was considering reversing Moscow’s decision to recognize the Taliban, at the request of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to the sources, the move is intended to increase pressure on the Taliban.