China-Afghanistan Relations

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.