The flags of China and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan are displayed during a news conference held by Afghan Deputy Prime Minister and China's ambassador in Afghanistan, in Kabul, January 5, 2023.
Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack
China made formal diplomatic protest to Taliban authorities
Worker was in northern region bordering Tajikistan
China said Thursday it had lodged "solemn representations" with Afghanistan's Taliban government over the killing of a Chinese mine worker in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
The attack highlights ongoing security risks even as the Taliban government courts Chinese investment, touting Afghanistan's untapped natural resources as a path to economic recovery.
"The Chinese side urgently lodged solemn representations with the Afghan side, demanding that (they) thoroughly investigate and punish the perpetrators," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
"China is deeply shocked by the attack, strongly condemns it and expresses condolences to the victims," Mao said.
The Chinese citizen was travelling on Tuesday evening in northern Takhar province bordering Tajikistan when he was killed by "unknown armed men", provincial police spokesman Mohammad Akbar Haqqani told AFP.
He said the man was travelling "for an unknown reason" and without informing security officials, who typically accompany Chinese nationals on trips in the country.
The Islamic State (IS) group's regional chapter claimed responsibility for the attack later Wednesday, according to jihadist monitor SITE.
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