China in Afghanistan

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

As China and Russia align their positions in Afghanistan, the West looks on suspiciously.

Insights from Michael Kugelman.

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

Insights from Sean Roberts.

The pace of the Taliban’s military advancement on the eve of the U.S. pullout not only stokes worries of regional spillover, but also shines a spotlight on China.

None expect China to replace the United States in military terms, but Central Asia may hope Beijing plays a more substantial role in Afghanistan.

China has long resented the presence of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, but is equally wary of instability in the region.

What the peace process and U.S. withdrawal means for Beijing.

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan highlights the importance of South and Central Asia to China.

Russia, China, Iran, India, and, most of all, Pakistan have interests at stake as the U.S. aims to withdraw from Afghanistan.