https://www.scmp.com/rss/512820/feed Agha Hussain is an independent geopolitical analyst in Rawalpindi with a special focus on Eurasian affairs. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Both China and Iran have long-term stakes in Afghanistan following the United States’ withdrawal. They also have contrasting strategies to deal with the gridlock their interests face from continued instability in the country. Recent developments suggest that Iran is developing a hands-on strategy towards Afghanistan that could ease the way for China, a cautious and reluctant actor when it comes to involvement in unstable states, to begin tangible work on its Afghan interests. According to Andrew... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3187824/how-china-and-iran-could-find-more-common-ground-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3187824/how-china-and-iran-could-find-more-common-ground-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2022 19:30:24 +0000 Rather than challenge Russia’s dominance over Central Asian security affairs, China has largely used it as an umbrella to advance its Belt and Road Initiative in the region. But can China and Russia extend this model of coexistence to the South Caucasus? At first glance, it would seem so. China’s interests in the South Caucasus, just as in Central Asia, are oriented on the belt and road – the South Caucasus can be China’s shortest east-west route to Europe – and focused on business. Similarly,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3184064/belt-and-road-can-china-and-russia-extend-their-central-asian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3184064/belt-and-road-can-china-and-russia-extend-their-central-asian?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:15:12 +0000 A post-war scenario in Ukraine that favours both Russian and Western interests is key to a sustainable ceasefire. China could be well placed to pitch its Belt and Road Initiative as the key road map to this scenario. China’s dislike of unilateralism gave rise to a Sino-Russian diplomatic partnership that has seen the two permanent UN Security Council members oppose US military intervention in Syria, sanctions on Iran and other similar policies. However, Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3181523/how-chinas-belt-and-road-diplomacy-could-end-ukraine-conflict-good?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3181523/how-chinas-belt-and-road-diplomacy-could-end-ukraine-conflict-good?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jun 2022 01:15:09 +0000