Analysis of China's investment in Afghanistan

Abstract

Throughout history, Sino-Afghan relations have been considered friendly. Afghanistan illustrates many security problems for China. First, Afghanistan, which was plunged into a series of wars and conflicts, suffered from protracted wars and instability,andwas left with an underdeveloped economy and a poor population. These situations not only deprived Afghanistan of peace and stability but also had a negative impact on border regions and countries. Although, as neighboring countries, China and Afghanistan are connected by a very short length, the insecurity in Afghanistan remains a constant problem for the Chinese government since Afghanistan has become one of the largest sources of drug trafficking to China. Secondly, the country’s internal security and stability are particularly vulnerable to the spread of terrorism and extremism from Afghanistan. Thirdly, instability affects the activity and security of Chinese investment projects. In view of the constant threat of terrorism, China will take decisive steps to strengthen security measures and intensify economic ties. In resolving the Afghan problem, China will act at the international and regional levels so that the Afghan issue meets the geopolitical and economic interests.This article analyzes China’s investment activities in Afghanistan andprovides an overview of the relations between the two countries in historical retrospect with an emphasis on China’s national interests and policy in Afghanistan. The authors consider the statements of the parties after the withdrawal of the United States troops, analyze the channels of humanitarian ties,and give cases on the largest investment projects of China in Afghanistan. The article identifies the main motives and goals of Beijing’s investment policy in Afghanistan, with an emphasis on changing the agenda of relations between the two countries after the recognition of the Taliban by Beijing.