Taliban Seeks to Join China's Belt and Road Project, Igniting Global Concerns
The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has expressed its interest in joining China's Belt and Road infrastructure project, seeking investments and development opportunities for its stagnating economy. Despite lacking recognition from other countries, China has actively sought ties with the Taliban-run administration.
The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has expressed its interest in formally joining Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious 'Belt and Road' infrastructure project. Afghanistan's acting commerce minister, Haji Nooruddin Azizi, stated that a technical team from Afghanistan would be sent to China for talks regarding this matter. Despite the lack of recognition from any other foreign government, China has been actively seeking to develop its ties with the Taliban-run government since it took over in 2021. In fact, China became the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul last month.
Azizi told Reuters that Afghanistan has requested to be a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a vital component of the Belt and Road Initiative. To understand the concerns regarding Afghanistan's potential inclusion in the initiative, the Taliban administration plans to send a technical team to China for further discussions. While Afghanistan is rich in untapped mineral resources, China can offer crucial infrastructure development, technical support, and loans that can help revitalize the country's stagnant economy.
Azizi emphasized that China should invest in Afghanistan, as the nation is ready for economic investment. He highlighted potential resources such as lithium, copper, and iron. Addressing security concerns, Azizi stated that security remains a top priority for the Taliban-run government. He assured that it is now possible to travel to provinces with industries, agriculture, and mines that were previously inaccessible, and security can be guaranteed.
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum, Afghanistan and 34 other countries have agreed to collaborate on digital economy and green development. With inputs from Reuters, it is evident that China's engagement with the Taliban administration goes beyond diplomatic recognition. The potential inclusion of Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative signifies an opportunity for both parties to benefit mutually.
