Taliban and China in a New Afghanistan; Is Beijing an Investor or A Novel Occupier?

Taliban and China sent strong signals of imminent ties for different but compatible motivations.

Taliban’s spokesperson stated in an interview that the group has full preparation to welcome China in economic sector. Zabihullah Mujahid has said that managing Afghanistan‘s collapsing economy is the main agenda in potential ties with Beijing. Afghanistan’s economy has gone through a deep shock following Taliban’s quick occupation of the country soon after US started withdrawal after 2 decades.

According to Mujahid, speaking with La Republica, an Italian newspaper, Taliban and China are prominent partner. “China is our principal and most important partner. It represents a fundamental and exceptional opportunity for us because China is ready for investment in our country and for rebuilding it,” he further stressed.

Mujahid also emphasized three key points on the same issue. As number one necessity, he said the group places a high premium on the Silk Road initiative. China considers the initiative significant in its efforts to increase its worldwide influence.

Another point relates Afghanistan’s massive copper mines. Mujahid stressed on the need for China’s cooperation to revive and modernized the mines. As a third point, China will serve as a conduit for Afghanistan’s access to international markets.

Such remarks on China have similar precedents, and we’ll certainly hear more of the same thing in the future. The group recognition of China’s significance does not just focus on a local scale and direct relationships. The ties also center on a global scale relating China’s superpower status, besides its position in the world stage.

Taliban also understands that administering the country is one thing and battling the invasion is another. It knows that regional cooperation, like the prospect of Taliban and China ties, is a key issue in securing long-term safety and stability and building trust for foreign investors.

Taliban and china

Chinese media have said unequivocally that the country feels no necessity to have contentious relations with Taliban. They have also urged the group to see the need to entirely separate itself from terror and violence.

China views the US departure as a humiliating loss one that has tarnished its face, prestige, and global influence. China backed the Afghan-Afghan talks before the US departure. Simultaneously, it conveyed signals implying that it is willing to recognize the Taliban in the proper time.

Mullah Bradar travelled to China with a prominent Taliban team less than two months ago. The visit may have been a signal of an indirect Chinese endorsement of the group. The visit represented Beijing’s basic thoughts on the subject.

China is certainly the ultimate gainer in the current state of affairs. It will for sure gain from the circumstance once Afghanistan has achieved stability. When investment begins to flow into the county, China has the leverage to invest, use the market and reconstruct in the country. Such situations could present it with multiple chances, particularly if it collaborates with the neighboring Pakistan.

However, the paradox is that, while Washington’s exit from Afghanistan is expected to provide Beijing with new chances, it may also pose some obstacles. It is difficult to impose the idea of and engagement between Taliban and China as a logical, honest, and balanced player on a local scale. This challenge stems from the Chinese government’s long-standing negative portrayal of Islam and Islamic activities in China.

China stands wary of security consequences, despite its desire to have a big commercial role in the country. The rise of Taliban may prove a challenge if it facilitates the uprising of Muslim Uighurs living at the border with Afghanistan. Taliban and China have a long way to go.