allow any forces to use afghan territory to endanger china. >> reporter: a deal brokered between awkward allies, a militant group representing hardline islam and a chinese government accused of cultural genocide against isthmus lynn moy north at home but china's relationship with the taliban goes back a long way. >> it established relations with the taliban already in 1999 at the encouragement of pakistan which is one of china's closest allies. >> reporter: the relationship was seen as pragmatism to manage a potential threat. as china shares a small border with afghanistan through the wakong corridor and china's belt and road investments in pakistan are at stake. >> i think they are very war to get involved militarily so at this stage i think they are trying to cultivate the top rungs of the taliban and promises of foreign aid and