China-Taliban relations

While Chinese investment is rising, particularly in the mining sector, the operations face both local pushback and logistical headaches.

Beijing has sought to press the Taliban, on behalf of Pakistan, to deal with the TTP. The Taliban remain unmoved. 

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

The dynamics of this trilateral relationship will shape the future trajectory of Afghanistan and its broader implications for regional stability and prosperity.

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.

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. 

The specter of insecurity in Afghanistan has been replaced by a lack of governance and widespread incompetence. Investors from China or any other country can be expected to be deeply wary.

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.

Insights from Claudia Chia. 

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