China was among the first countries to insinuate its openness to the Taliban regime by expressing its desire to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with Afghanistan, after the fall of the Afghan civilian government in August 2021
The Taliban are focusing on the countries that are most likely to be interested in investing in Afghanistan, notwithstanding its human rights record or potential for violence.
The specter of insecurity in Afghanistan has been replaced by a lack of governance and widespread incompetence. Investors from China or any other country can be expected to be deeply wary.
China’s new ambassadorial appointment lays the groundwork for intensified cooperation between China and Afghanistan. That will have implications for Pakistan as well.