The Chinese government said on Wednesday that it welcomed the end of "three weeks of anarchy" in Afghanistan with the establishment of a new interim government in Kabul, and called on the Taliban to restore order in the country.

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan as US troops withdrew last month and have set up a new administration that started work Wednesday.

China has been critical of the American withdrawal. On Wednesday it said the new government would help bring stability.

"China attaches great importance to the announcement by the Taliban of the establishment of an interim government and some important personnel arrangements," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a press briefing.

"This has ended more than three weeks of anarchy in Afghanistan and is a necessary step to restore order and rebuild the country."

The international community generally is tentative about engagement with the Taliban, but China has already said it is ready to build friendly relations with the Taliban following its takeover.

Analysts have said a stable and cooperative administration in Kabul would open economic opportunities for China and allow for the expansion of its massive overseas infrastructure drive, the Belt and Road Initiative.

Last week a Taliban spokesman said Beijing had promised them increased aid and Covid-19 assistance.

Wang said Wednesday that China would "not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs," but hoped the Taliban would "pursue moderate and steady domestic and foreign policies, resolutely crack down on all kinds of terrorist forces, and get along well with all countries, especially neighboring countries."