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Why China is in no rush to endorse the Taliban in Afghanistan
- Beijing was talking to the militant group before its takeover of the Central Asian nation but doubts remain about what the group can and will do
- China is pursuing a policy of ‘constructive intervention’, a long, pragmatic game in contrast to that of the US
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China’s propaganda arms have heralded America’s withdrawal from Kabul as a sign of the US’ decline on the world stage, but Beijing’s foreign-policy makers are much more cautious as they seek to avoid a repeat of Washington’s mistakes.
China has been among the first to establish communication with the Taliban but it is yet to formally endorse the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
Diplomatic sources and foreign policy observers said Beijing was in no hurry to give recognition to a Taliban-led regime, opting instead to play a long, pragmatic game of “constructive intervention” – an idea Foreign Minister Wang Yi first floated in 2017.
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The concept defines a more active role for Beijing in global hotspots while maintaining its principle of not interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries. Rather than US-style projection of force, the concept relies on China using political and economic means to gain sway.
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China pledges support for Taliban, speaks out against G7 threat to sanction hardline group
China pledges support for Taliban, speaks out against G7 threat to sanction hardline group
As the US departs Afghanistan, China has said it will not go into the war-torn country with an army.
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