China approach offers hope to Afghanistan
- Trans-Himalayan forum reflects balancing act Beijing must undertake with troubled neighbour if regional security is to be improved
As one of China’s most troubled neighbours, Afghanistan is clearly on the minds of Beijing officials for good reason. Central government policymakers and diplomats are wise to aim for a balanced approach to the nation and its Taliban leadership that could be the best chance of improving regional security and bilateral relations.
China’s balancing act was on display last week when it hosted an international forum on Trans-Himalayan regional cooperation in the Tibet autonomous region. More than a dozen countries including Afghanistan took part.
Taliban officials assured Beijing that they have worked to fight terrorism. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqi told counterpart Wang Yi the Taliban saw security threats against China “like a challenge to our own”.
The pledge is important in the wake of terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Afghanistan. Five people were injured late last year when a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul was bombed by Islamic State terrorists.
Beijing has not officially recognised the Taliban government. Still, China is among the few countries, along with Pakistan and Russia, to maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan since the Taliban retook power in August 2021.
The value of people-to-people exchanges was also reflected in the talks. Wang noted the warm applause the Afghan delegation received from Chinese spectators at the opening ceremony of the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Cultural and economic ties between the two countries may also benefit from Beijing’s push to grow global trade, the Belt and Road Initiative. Following Saturday’s deadly earthquake in Afghanistan, China was among the first nations to offer help.
The challenges facing Afghanistan are clearly daunting. Many in the international community, including several aid groups, have pulled out of the country owing to security concerns and to protest against the repression of women and minority groups by the Taliban.
Nations at the Trans-Himalayan forum were called on to respect each other’s territory to ensure stability, prosperity and sustainable development. China’s engagement with Afghanistan reflects that approach and offers hope for a better future.
