FOR THOSE who still don’t know, the United States is leaving Afghanistan on September 11.
I’ll try to discuss that topic at a later time, but for now, I am going to touch on one of the effects of the US withdrawal: China.
China has several key interests in Central Asia, of which is Afghanistan is only a small part of. The first of these interests, I think, is security.
The Chinese are concerned that without the US propping up the Afghan government, the Taliban will move back into power. If (or when) this happens, the country could function as a supporter and a safe zone for insurgents in China’s Western Provinces, most notably the Uighurs.
Another reason why China is concerned with Afghanistan is the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to connect Asia, Africa and Europe. The trouble with roads, however, is that although they can bring in trade, they can just as bring in trouble and instability, and a post-US Afghanistan would greatly damage China’s Belt and Road strategy.
Thus, China’s entry into Afghanistan is informed by concern for their investment, and the desire to keep it secure.
There are largely two opinions about China’s entry into Afghanistan. One side claims that the People’s Republic of China will work with Afghans in peace, or if that were not possible, to bribe them into compliance.
The other side claims that China will meet the same fate as the British, the Soviets and most recently, the Americans; which is to say, they’re going to sink a lot of blood and treasure into Afghanistan’s barren wasteland.
How China’s adventure into Afghanistan will turn out only time will tell. Historically, it wouldn’t be the first time China has looked Westward, but regardless of whatever happens, the whole thing will be entertaining./PN
