Afghanistan’s Strategic Role and Historical Evolution In Chinese Foreign Policy
Keywords:
Afghanistan, China, Chinese foreign policy, China-Afghanistan relationsAbstract
This article examines Afghanistan’s strategic role and historical evolution in Chinese foreign policy. It analyzes how Afghanistan has gradually transformed from a peripheral neighbor into an important factor in China's regional security, geoeconomic interests, and Eurasian diplomacy. The study focuses on the main stages of China-Afghanistan relations, including the Taliban 1.0 period, the post-2001 international intervention phase, and the Taliban 2.0 period after 2021. Special attention is paid to China’s security concerns related to Xinjiang, TITR/TIP, transnational terrorism, and border stability. The article also explores Afghanistan's relevance to the Belt and Road Initiative, the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, natural resources, transport connectivity, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The analysis shows that China’s policy toward Afghanistan is based on cautious strategic engagement: Beijing seeks stability, influence, and economic opportunities while avoiding excessive political, military, and financial responsibility. The article argues that Afghanistan remains both a strategic opportunity and a security challenge for China, especially in the context of regional instability, Taliban rule, and changing geopolitical dynamics in Central and South Asia.
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