China-Afghanistan Relations

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

Pakistan has long been concerned about dams on transboundary rivers in Afghanistan, but China’s involvement creates an opportunity for regional cooperation. 

While still short of formal diplomatic recognition, the move is part of a trend of growing engagement driven by the strategic interests of both sides.

China's new ambassadorial appointment lays the groundwork for intensified cooperation between China and Afghanistan. That will have implications for Pakistan as well.

New Ambassador Zhao Sheng was given the royal treatment in Kabul, as China continues to be the Taliban regime's most important foreign partner.

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.

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has indeed provided China an opportunity, but there’s little evidence that Beijing has any concrete plan to address the country’s problems. 

Will Islamic State Khorasan Province push Beijing to abandon Kabul?

The Taliban's new deal is actually a repeat of a previous contract signed by the former Republic government with CNPC in 2011. That deal's fate should temper expectations.

The profits may be high, but the risks involved are higher, especially in the context of attacks on Chinese nationals and interests in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Far from inheriting an opportunity, China finds itself encumbered with an ever-expanding roster of problems in Afghanistan, which it is showing little interest in trying to resolve or own.

Rail routes are all the rage, as the SCO gathers. Keep an eye out for new agreements on regional transit routes.

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

Afghanistan has been partially successful in boosting stability, improving livelihoods, and protecting human rights, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Wang Yi’s visit marked one of the highest-level engagements for the Taliban regime – and came just a day after the Taliban broke a promise to allow older girls to attend school.

Insights from Claudia Chia.

Developments in two areas – Afghanistan’s illicit drug trade and the Sino-Afghan shared border – will give us early indications of Beijing’s approach to a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

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

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

China must clarify its strategic priorities to be able to positively influence the trajectory of the Afghan peace process.

Deteriorating Afghan security poses risks for China, so Beijing is quietly building up its presence in the area.

China’s policies on Afghanistan, Xinjiang, Russia, terrorism, and the trade war – all have their roots in the late Cold War era.

Afghans consider both China and India to be trustworthy neighbors. Together, they can help ensure Afghanistan's future.

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