Silk Road: China and Afghanistan

China is the worlds' second largest economic power. It has ambitions of establishing itself economically in Asia so that it can sustain its economy for many years to come. Part of this ambition is the extension of trade, access to raw materials and energy sources, economic power, military power, and the securing of water rights and sea lanes in the Pacific (especially in the East China Sea and South China Sea). However, often overlooked is China's expansion to the west. It has engaged in closer economic ties with Pakistan, is actively working in the further development of the "New Silk Road" in the Central Asian States, and working to improve ties with Afghanistan.

The New Silk Road has a lot of players cooperating and competing with each other. China's interest is obvious - the ability to market goods, establishment of transportation corridors (railways and roadways), access to the gas and oil fields of Central Asia, and access to the minerals found in large amounts in Afghanistan. Russia wishes to remain the dominant force (economically, politically, and militarily) in the Central Asian States (former entities of the Soviet Union) - so it competes to an extent with China. And of course, there is the aspect of the United States trying to maintain some influence in the area - although it is at a distinct disadvantage geographically.

China and Afghanistan. There will soon be a void in Afghanistan - both politically, economically, and militarily. This will be especially true if the Bilateral Security Agreement is not signed and the NATO countries decide not to take part in the Resolute Security mission. China has an interest in a stable, secure, and economically prosperous Afghanistan. It has sat out the conflict and may soon be one of the few nations to benefit from the long-term NATO engagement in Afghanistan. Under the radar China has been carefully increasing its ties with Afghanistan.

Read more on this topic in "China's Westward Strategy", The Diplomat, January 15, 2014.

China and India Increase Dialogue About Afghanistan

As the Western powers withdraw from Afghanistan both India and China are looking at ways to ensure that Afghanistan remains stable and also becomes a source of economic opportunity in the years that follow 2014. To this end both India and China are holding periodic talks to see how they can complement their efforts. This dialogue is analyzed by the Observer Research Foundation (Harsh V. Pant). Read the analysis in "China Reaches to India on Afghanistan - Analysis", Eurasia Review, January 10, 2014.

Rail Lines to Boost China Trade Along New Silk Road

The soon to be built railroads along the steppes of Asia will be the economic life line for China to Europe and beyond. While the United States is moving its attention away from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East and focusing on the Pacific; China is looking in many directions. One of these directions is to China's west in the vicinity of Central Asia. The railroads being built in Afghanistan and in other parts of Central Asia will provide access to markets for China. This will be the new silk road for China. Read more on this topic in "New Rail Links to Boost China's Western Access", The Diplomat, December 27, 2013.

Will China Be the "Ultimate Winner" of Afghan War?

China's policy towards Afghanistan is calculated and shrewd. It has taken a "hands-off" stand in regards to the internal politics and the conflict in Afghanistan. At the same time it has fostered strong diplomatic relationships with the government of Afghanistan. In addition, it has positioned itself to benefit economically with investments in mineral and oil exploitation within Afghanistan. Read more on this topic in "China Could Prove Ultimate Winner in Afghanistan", National Public Radio, January 16, 2013. Learn more about China's role in Afghanistan.

China's Long-Term Strategy for Afghanistan

China is a country that has always taken a long view of the world and its destiny. Its relationship with Afghanistan is no exception. China has time on its side and they are using it. They have avoided becoming involved in the internal politics of Afghanistan. They have not to any large degree supported the Western powers in their military occupation of Afghanistan (through military assistance, troops in the ground, and participating in the Northern Distribution Network NDN). China has been engaged with Afghanistan in other areas - especially in the economic sector. China sees a stable Afghanistan as a source for raw materials (Afghanistan has a large amount of raw minerals) and as a market for China's export of finished goods. Many observers note that the Western powers are doing the heavy lifting in the fight against the Taliban and one of the countries that will benefit the most from a successful conclusion of the conflict will be China. You can read more about the China-Afghanistan relationship in a paper wrote by Serafettin Yilmaz - a doctoral candidate in Asia-Pacific Studies (IDAS) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan.

"Afghanistan: China's New Frontier?", December 19, 2012.
www.e-ir.info/2012/12/19/afghanistan-chinas-new-frontier/