China pressurised Afghanistan over reconciliation with Pakistan: US DoD Report
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WASHINGTON - A US department of defence report notes that Afghanistan “continues to seek Chinese pressure on Pakistan” to assist reconciliation efforts and eliminate insurgent sanctuaries.
Afghanistan to train a mountain brigade in China to patrol the Wakhan Corridor, which borders China’s Xinjiang Province. China is concerned that Uighur militants transiting through the Wakhan Corridor could pose a threat to Chinese interests in the region.
The United States views China’s concern about the growth of militancy as a positive element, which could encourage Beijing to work with the international community to suppress terrorism in the South Asian region.
The Pentagon also recognises Iran’s influence in Afghanistan, claiming that Tehran pursues “a multitrack strategy” of engaging and trying to grow ties with the Afghan government, expanding trade and economic investments, and “providing calibrated support to the Taliban while trying not to alienate Kabul”.
