NEW Afghanistan and China’s BRI
Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan: Yes, this is the new name of Taliban led Afghanistan. What does it mean for South Asia in particular and the world in general? This article will shed some light on it.
Historically Afghanistan has been the hotbed of warlords and warriors. Wars are in the bloodline of Afghan people. Ghaznavi and Abdali are the two most prominent warriors of this land. In the near past, we have seen Mullah Omer and Osama Bin Laden are the modern era Ghaznavi and Abdali (though Bin Laden was a Saudi, but ended up as the prime reason for the Afghan war led by the US ).
No imperial power has ever succeeded in winning the war in Afghanistan. Be it the Britain forces, USSR or very recently, the NATO forces; Afghanistan has proved itself as ‘graveyard of super powers’. The historical day of 15 August 2021 is formally the watershed moment in the history of this region. Fall of Kabul has different dimensions. The most important one is its contribution towards the global integration aims of China.
The Belt and Road initiative (BRI) of China has already invested billions of Dollars in this region of South Asia (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh). The critical role of China in the Afghan peace process along with Pakistan and Turkey has shown its intent for future Afghan build up. Hence there is a strong probability that Afghanistan may become the extended part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
India and the US have done immense infrastructure work in Afghanistan from 2001–2021 in bridges, Dams, schools, Parliament and raising the Afghan Army. Given its huge landscape, Afghanistan needs more giant infrastructure projects in the near future. Here comes the crucial role of China and Russia.
Taliban of 2021 are not the same as they were in the last decade of the 20th century. They are playing their diplomatic cards very well. They need the support of the global community to function well. The destiny of modern-day Afghanistan has been intertwined with how the Taliban are treated. We have already seen that IMF has suspended its grants program. In contrast, Canada has announced that it won’t recognize the Taliban government. On the other hand, Russia and China are supporting the Taliban as their embassies are functioning well there.
Recent meeting between Taliban leaders and Chinese Foreign Minister which was held in Tianjin recently is a start of a fresh era . It is a first Non Doha meetup of Taliban with any international figure. China has asked Taliban to make sure that it cut its ties with ETIM ( East Turkistan Islamic Movement) and make sure that Afghan soil is not used against China . In response, Taliban has given their surety that their land will not be used against any interest of China in the region .
This is a right time to start in the rebuilding process of Afghanistan. No other country is more suitable to take leading role in this regard other than China. There is an optimism in Asian diplomatic circles that soon China’s Silk Road initiative will be extended to Afghanistan and the old silk route will be re emerged. It will bring more prosperity for impoverished Afghanistan region. Furthermore it will be more beneficial for neighbors as well.
