China on Wednesday announced that it has replaced its special envoy to Afghanistan amid growing concern here over the adverse impact of the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country on the volatile Xinjiang province which faces security threats from Uyghur militants.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced that the present special envoy on Afghanistan Liu Jian will be replaced by former Chinese ambassador to Qatar, Jordan and Ireland, Yue Xiao Yong.

Liu has served as China’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Malaysia and Pakistan before he was appointed as special envoy to Afghanistan early last year. Addressing a news briefing, Zhao said now that the Afghan issue is now the focus for the international community, China attaches importance to communication and coordination with all relevant parties and will continue to play a role for peace and stability in Afghanistan.