China Afghanistan policy

China has little interest in providing global leadership on the Afghanistan issue, especially when selective engagement seems to be paying off.

China’s willingness to partner with the Taliban undermines American efforts to influence the extremist group’s behavior through pressure campaigns and sanctions.

In arguably Beijing’s strongest signal of support for Russia yet, Sergey Lavrov is a full participant at a China-hosted meeting on Afghanistan affairs.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi's surprise trip to Afghanistan was a clear sign that China is ready to engage with the Taliban as a normal government.

Insights from Claudia Chia.

China bowed out of security talks on Afghan in New Delhi, but will join a similar meeting in Pakistan held the next day.

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

Beijing will approach Afghan affairs – and the Taliban – more cautiously than people think.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his U.S. counterpart that China is willing to help promote the soft landing of the Afghan issue” and avoid “humanitarian disaster.”

The Taliban’s promises cannot be trusted. China knows this, but it has few good options.

Insights from Sean Roberts.