Belt and Road in Afghanistan

China has vastly increased economic engagement with Afghanistan as it eyes a new node in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The Taliban are focusing on the countries that are most likely to be interested in investing in Afghanistan, notwithstanding its human rights record or potential for violence. 

China’s active engagement in the country's affairs is driven by Afghanistan’s strategic position at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, coupled with its abundant natural resources.

China is not the first to try to buy stability in Afghanistan. Will Beijing succeed where the U.S. and USSR failed?

China will face a number of difficulties in implementing the BRI in Afghanistan.

The Taliban will welcome the hard infrastructure elements of the BRI. The “soft” components are a different story.

China’s role in Afghanistan is undoubtedly growing. What does that mean for the peace process?

Could China play the good cop while the U.S. plays the bad cop?

Some practical steps the three countries can take to boost trilateral cooperation.

Trilateral cooperation could hold the key to stabilizing the region.

Trilateral cooperation between Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan on the Belt and Road would benefit all three states.