title:China Demands Afghanistan Protect Citizens After Kabul Bombing
ISLAMABAD: A deadly explosion at a Chinese-run noodle restaurant in Kabulhas prompted Beijing to issue a strong demand to the Taliban administrationfor enhanced protection of Chinese citizens and investments in Afghanistan.The blast, which occurred on Monday in the heavily guarded Shahr-e-Nawdistrict, claimed the lives of one Chinese national and six Afghans, whileinjuring several others, including five Chinese citizens. The attack,claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), underscorespersistent security challenges in the country despite the Taliban’sassertions of stability. China, maintaining close ties with the Talibansince their 2021 takeover, expressed deep concern over the incident andcalled for immediate action to safeguard its nationals amid growingeconomic engagements.
The explosion took place at the Chinese Noodle restaurant, a popular spotamong Chinese Muslims and jointly operated by a Chinese couple and anAfghan partner. Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran confirmed that theblast happened near the kitchen area, leading to significant casualties anddamage to the premises. Eyewitness accounts and media reports describeddebris scattered on the street, with emergency services rushing to thescene in one of Kabul’s most secure commercial neighborhoods, home tooffices, shops, and embassies. The attack highlights vulnerabilities evenin fortified zones, raising questions about the effectiveness of Talibansecurity measures against militant threats.
Islamic State, through its Amaq news agency, swiftly claimed responsibilityfor the suicide bombing, stating that the target was Chinese nationals inretaliation for Beijing’s alleged policies toward Uyghur Muslims inXinjiang. The group has repeatedly positioned Chinese interests aslegitimate targets, citing perceived oppression and China’s deepeningrelations with the Taliban. This claim, while not independently verified inall details, aligns with ISIS-K’s pattern of attacks aimed at underminingTaliban authority and foreign partnerships. The incident adds to a seriesof recent threats against Chinese personnel in the region, including priorattacks in neighboring countries.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun addressed thematter during a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. He revealedthat China had lodged urgent representations with Afghan authorities,demanding comprehensive efforts to treat the injured and implementeffective measures to protect Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions.Guo emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and punishment ofperpetrators, while reiterating Beijing’s firm opposition to all forms ofterrorism. China also renewed its advisory urging citizens to avoid travelto Afghanistan given the prevailing security risks, reflecting heightenedcaution following the blast.
China’s relationship with Afghanistan has evolved significantly underTaliban rule, characterized by pragmatic engagement focused on economicopportunities and security assurances. Beijing has pursued investments inmining, energy, and infrastructure, viewing Afghanistan as a strategic linkin its Belt and Road Initiative despite limited formal recognition of thegovernment. The shared 76-kilometer border with Afghanistan amplifiesChina’s concerns over spillover threats from militant groups, includingpotential instability affecting Xinjiang. The Taliban has publicly pledgedto prevent anti-China activities, yet recurring incidents challenge thiscommitment and test bilateral trust.
The Kabul bombing is likely to intensify discussions on securitycooperation between China and the Taliban. Previous attacks, such as thosetargeting Chinese workers in Pakistan and near the Afghan-Tajik border,have prompted Beijing to press for stronger counter-terrorism actions.Analysts note that while economic incentives drive China’s involvement,persistent violence could deter further investments and strain relations.The Taliban, seeking international legitimacy and economic aid, facespressure to demonstrate control over militant elements like ISIS-K, whichcontinues to pose a formidable challenge despite military setbacks.
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Broader regional implications emerge from the attack, as instability inAfghanistan affects neighboring countries including Pakistan, which sharesconcerns over cross-border militancy. Joint statements from China andPakistan have urged the Taliban to curb terrorist activities, highlightinginterconnected security dynamics. The incident may accelerate calls formultilateral efforts to address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, withChina advocating for regional cooperation to eliminate threats. This eventserves as a stark reminder that despite political transitions, Afghanistanremains a hotspot for extremist violence with transnational repercussions.
The loss of life in the blast, including civilians and a foreign national,underscores the human cost of ongoing insecurity. Emergency servicesreported around 20 people treated, with fatalities occurring at or shortlyafter arrival at facilities like the Emergency Hospital. Such tragedieshighlight the urgent need for sustained stability to support reconstructionand foreign engagement. As Beijing presses for accountability andprotection, the Taliban administration must balance internal challengeswith external expectations to foster a secure environment conducive todevelopment.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/several-killed-blast-afghan-capital-kabul-taliban-interior-ministry-says-2026-01-19
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