To ensure that no terrorist attacks are launched from Kabul

INTERVIEW.. Claudia Chia: China desires good relations with the "Taliban" INTERVIEW

Claudia Chia.

archival

Claudia Chia, an expert and researcher at the Institute of South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore, spoke about China's relations with Afghanistan.

She told "Diplomat" newspaper that China is willing to achieve security and stability in Afghanistan to ensure that terrorism and violence do not seep into its territory.

The following is the text of the interview:

■ Explain to us how China has dealt with Afghanistan since the withdrawal of US forces?

■■ After the Taliban seized power in Kabul, China was the first country to pledge 200 million yuan of urgent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

The Taliban, which was facing a humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse, welcomed China's sending of urgent food aid and medicine.

Finally, China has financed the establishment of a project in the compound of the Ministry of Justice, and there are reports indicating that Chinese companies have visited Afghanistan, to explore business opportunities in the mines.

China has contacted directly with the Taliban administration, and the two sides have met on many occasions to discuss plans for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

■ What are the ways in which China is assisting the "Taliban" government, and what are the strategic interests of Beijing in Afghanistan, if they exist at all?

■■ At the present time, the provision of humanitarian aid and "Corona" vaccines is the main assistance provided by China to the "Taliban".

On the diplomatic front, China has made efforts to mobilize global support and aid for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, especially by lifting sanctions by the international community and releasing frozen assets of Afghanistan. There are two advantages to Beijing's interests in Afghanistan, the first is to provide security on its western borders, as well as projects The “Belt and Road” is in Central Asia and Pakistan, and the second is China’s need to find an appropriate security model to protect its economic interests in the region, and China fears the possibility of militias launching attacks on its own projects and interests.

■ Can you explain China's interests in light of the developments that speak of the existence of lithium and copper mines in Afghanistan?

■■ China has expressed interest in Afghanistan's mining sector nearly two decades ago, but previous initiatives have been fraught with difficulties.

The "Mis Ayank" copper mine, which was leased by a Chinese company for 30 years in 2008, was a clear example of this. untapped is tempting for China, which faces a growing internal demand for energy and commodities, and China realizes that the mining industry in Afghanistan needs many measures, such as security arrangements and adequate infrastructure.

■ What incentives can the "Taliban" provide to guarantee Chinese investments?

■■ The Taliban must prove that it is severing ties with other terrorist organizations. Another incentive is to get rid of drug smuggling. Perhaps the latter will be difficult for the Taliban, given the movement's dependence on drug revenues to finance its operations, and it may use companies A special security to protect Chinese projects and the cadres working in them.

You rent it from China, for example.

■ Can you assess the geostrategic repercussions of China's presence in Afghanistan, and its potential impact on US interests in the region?

■■ China is still waiting for the international community to grant diplomatic recognition to the "Taliban".

The next step will likely be decided by the international community.

Of course, China does not want to bear the burden of returning Afghanistan alone.

In short, China will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, work on non-risk projects, and maintain friendly relations with the Taliban.

As for the United States, despite the differences between Washington and Beijing, both countries do not want Afghanistan to become a “hot spot” for terrorism and violence, and they share one goal, which is to have a stable Afghanistan, which will make China and the United States cooperate to restore peace. Reconstructing Afghanistan, confronting terrorism, and achieving security in the region.

 • China has contacted directly with the "Taliban" administration, and the two sides met on many occasions, to discuss plans for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

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