Vantage | What China's diplomatic moves in Afghanistan are really about

In a notable diplomatic move, China has taken a significant step towards recognising the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Recently, Bilal Karimi, a former spokesperson for the Taliban regime, was welcomed in Beijing as the Taliban’s ambassador to China. This move raises questions about China’s motivations, potential implications and the broader geopolitical landscape.

In a formal ceremony held a few days ago, Bilal Karimi presented his credentials as the Taliban’s ambassador to China, marking an apparent upgrade in diplomatic ties. While China carefully chooses its words, the acceptance of a diplomat’s credentials is often seen as de facto recognition, making China potentially the first country to officially acknowledge the Taliban regime. China’s official stance Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasised China’s belief that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. “China always believes that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. At the same time, we expect Afghanistan to further respond to the expectations of the international community,” said Wang. China’s decision to engage diplomatically with the Taliban is undoubtedly a strategic move. Previously, China asserted a non-interference policy in Afghanistan, earning it the moniker ‘Graveyard of Empires’. However, recent developments indicate a departure from this stance. China sent an ambassador to Kabul in September and with the reception of the Taliban’s ambassador in Beijing, signs point towards formal recognition. Economic and strategic interests China’s interests in Afghanistan extend beyond diplomatic recognition. The country is strategically investing in Afghanistan’s rich natural resources, including oil, lithium and copper. Economic agreements, such as a $450 million deal for oil reserves and a $10 billion deal for lithium reserves, underscore China’s pursuit of valuable resources. Additionally, China aims to integrate Afghanistan into its Belt and Road Initiative fostering economic ties. “We requested China to allow us to be a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Initiative and the path that join us through Tajikistan,” said Taliban’s acting minister of commerce minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi. China’s involvement goes beyond economic considerations. Reports indicate that China assisted in building a military base and funded a mountain security force in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province before the Taliban’s takeover. With the Taliban now in power, China may intensify its military engagements in the region, potentially challenging the US’s past attempts to establish stability in Afghanistan. China’s diplomatic embrace of the Taliban, culminating in the acceptance of Bilal Karimi as their ambassador, signifies a bold strategic move with multifaceted objectives. As China navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of Afghanistan, balancing economic interests, diplomatic recognition and potential military engagement, the international community watches closely. The evolving dynamics in Afghanistan underscore the complexities of global diplomacy, raising questions about the long-term consequences of China’s power play in the region. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.