The Taliban has expressed a strong determination to protect the safety ofChinese citizens in their territory from the threats of terrorism,signaling a growing closeness between the two countries. However, this isalso a concerning development for international observers.
China was the first major global power to reopen its embassy in Kabul in2021 after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and Beijing has beenexpanding its trade and foundational ties with the Taliban government.
In recent months, after multiple attacks on Chinese workers in Afghanistan,Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, stated that hisgovernment would not tolerate such activities. He emphasized that theyconsider security threats against China as a challenge.
He further stated that they would not allow any activity in Afghanistanthat could jeopardize China’s safety and stability. Muttaqi also offered”effective guarantees” for the safety of Chinese citizens in Afghanistan,but detailed information on this offer was not provided.
The meeting in Tibet, which is being viewed as the latest diplomatic effortby the Taliban, marked the first instance where the term “terrorism” wasused in official communications with Chinese authorities.
In an official statement from China on Thursday, there is hope thatAfghanistan will continue its fight against terrorism and eliminate the”terrorist” forces of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), whichChina considers a threat to its security.
China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed a desire to promote relationswith Afghanistan’s neighbors and enhance regional economic cooperation.
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Last month, China became the first major country to appoint its ambassadorto Afghanistan under the Taliban government, and its diplomats presentedtheir official documents to Taliban leaders in Kabul during a ceremonialevent, which was a rare and prestigious honor for any foreignrepresentative.
Global experts are concerned that if China remains a strong ally of theTaliban, it may weaken Western diplomatic pressure on issues related to therights of women, minorities, and human rights in Afghanistan.
After assuming power, the Taliban immediately imposed restrictions ongirls’ and women’s education and removed them from many workplaces.
According to Professor Harsh V. Pant, an expert on international relationsat King’s College, London, “China is quick to position itself as analternative in international affairs and its relationship with the Talibanis the latest example of its rapid maneuvering in international relations.”