Dynamics of Sino-Afghan Relations in the Post-withdrawal of Combat Troops

Abstract

China shares shortest but significant border with Afghanistan to the south-western flank of the Chinese autonomous province of Xinjiang. This border has been creating high-security risks for China owing to the Uyghur separatist activities. To secure this edgy border China has to rely on Afghanistan and Pakistan

After the withdrawal of combat troops, Afghanistan became liable for its own security. In order to make Afghanistan secure and stable the Afghan government called the non-state actors to initiate peace talks. For the first time China was involved along with the US and Pakistan in the peace process. The Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) became dysfunctional within a year but China did not avert efforts for peace in Afghanistan. It setup a Trilateral Coordination Group (TCG) as Beijing was determined to continue mediation efforts between the Afghan state and non-state actors by taking Pakistan on board.  After initiating huge economic projects i.e CPEC and OBOR, China’s concerns looms high due to militancy which can cause main hurdle in achieving economic and development goals in the region. Since reducing role in Afghanistan the United States also needs to take China on board owing to its acceptability among various segments of Afghan society. China has an image of benign power that pursue towards constructive collaboration rather than competition.