Why the Taliban wants to join China's Belt and Road Initiative
The Taliban government in Afghanistan aims to become a part of China's extensive infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative. They are preparing to send a delegation to China for further discussions.
While the international acceptance of the Taliban government remains uncertain, China is actively seeking to establish a relationship with them.
What
- The Taliban government in Afghanistan is seeking to join China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI).
- Plans are underway to dispatch a team to China for negotiations.
- The BRI, initiated by the Chinese government in 2013, involves investments in over 150 countries for constructing infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
- Despite limited global recognition, China has appointed an ambassador to Kabul, becoming the first country to do so.
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The Taliban government intends to participate in the "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" (CPEC) and the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI).
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CPEC entails extensive construction projects spanning approximately 3,000 kilometers, connecting China's Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Balochistan province, concluding at the Gwadar Port.
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Afghanistan plans to send a technical team to China to gain a deeper understanding of the process, without elucidating the delays in joining the initiative.
What Afghanistan offers China
- Afghanistan possesses valuable minerals that have piqued China's interest.
- Certain Chinese companies, including Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd (MCC), are already operating within the region, engaging in discussions regarding a major copper mine project.
China Metallurgical Group (MCC), is investing $3 billion in Afghanistan to build a plant to process the copper in the country. pic.twitter.com/rORyf6piU7
— Zulfiqar Ahmed 🤔 (@ZulfiqarAhmed69) December 4, 2022
Why Afghanistan seeks Chinese investment
- Afghanistan desires Chinese investments to foster development within the country.
- It boasts resources like lithium, copper, and iron, which are of significant interest to China.
- Acting Commerce Minister of Afghanistan, Azizi, emphasized their readiness to welcome investments.
While concerns about security persist, especially with the targeting of foreign embassies and the accommodation for Chinese investors by groups like the Islamic State in Kabul, Azizi affirmed that security is a paramount concern for the Taliban-run government.
He indicated that following the end of the 20-year war with the departure of foreign forces and the Taliban's assumption of power, more regions of the country are now considered safe.
Minister of Industry and Trade:
— Hurriyat Radio English (@HurriyatEN) October 20, 2023
We want to include Afghanistan in One Belt one Road Initiative
According to Mr. Nuruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Trade, we want Afghanistan to be formally included in China's "One Belt and One Road Project."(1/4) pic.twitter.com/n8DUsJXSfc
Consequently, this development has facilitated the possibility of visiting provinces known for their industrial, agricultural, and mining sectors, which were previously deemed unsafe.
During the Belt and Road Forum, Afghanistan, along with 34 other countries, pledged to collaborate on the digital economy and prioritise environmental conservation.