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Afghanistan
ChinaDiplomacy

Risks and opportunities for China in Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan

  • As the world criticises chaotic US withdrawal, Beijing has strengthened its border with the country and met Taliban leaders
  • The main concerns are that instability could spill into the Xinjiang region and hurt belt and road investments

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Taliban fighters take control of Afghanistan’s presidential palace in Kabul. Photo: AP
Sarah ZhengandKinling Lo
After two decades of the United States’ costly and bloody efforts to support the Afghan government, the Taliban has retaken control of the country in stunning fashion, posing new risks – and opportunities – for neighbouring China.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday that China “respects the wishes and choices of the Afghan people”, and hoped the Taliban’s declarations that it would transition the country under an “open, inclusive Islamic government” and ensure the safety of Afghan citizens and foreign missions would be carried out accordingly.

“China expects these statements to be implemented to ensure the situation in Afghanistan achieves a smooth transition, curbs all kinds of terrorist and criminal activities, and allows the Afghan people to be far away from war and to rebuild their beautiful homeland,” she said.

04:07

Taliban takes control of Afghan capital Kabul as President Ghani flees country

Taliban takes control of Afghan capital Kabul as President Ghani flees country
For Beijing, the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the capital Kabul and presidential palace on Monday raises fears that turmoil and instability could spill over into its highly sensitive, western Xinjiang region, and also hurt its strategic investments under the sweeping Belt and Road Initiative.
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But the dramatic collapse of the Afghan government comes with devastating losses for the US – increasingly a strategic rival for China – as its nearly 20-year war ends as it began with Taliban rule and the sight of helicopters evacuating its diplomats in an unmistakable parallel with its withdrawal from Saigon in 1975.

Beijing has not explicitly said it will recognise the Taliban as the new leaders of Afghanistan – a move some, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have urged against – but analysts say it will inevitably continue engaging with the militant group which has described China as a “friend” to Afghanistan.
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When asked if Beijing would recognise the Taliban as the legitimate leaders of Afghanistan, Hua did not answer directly, saying China has “maintained contact and communication with the Taliban” and that it respected the country’s sovereignty and its various domestic parties.

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