China urged its neighbour Afghanistan to embrace an inclusive solution to its conflict during a rare visit by a top official, who said the security of his country's western regions depended on peace.

Foreign minister Wang Yi was due to meet president Hamid Karzai during his visit, which coincides with preparations by US and allied troops to draw down their forces after 12 years of fighting Taliban extremists.

China is concerned about security in its western region of Xinjiang, where it says Muslim extremists receive help from militants in neighbouring countries.