China has appointed a new ambassador to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so since the Taliban regained control of the nation in 2021, BBC reports.
The Taliban has interpreted the appointment of Zhao Xing as a signal for other countries to establish diplomatic relations with its government. Despite widespread criticism of the Taliban's human rights abuses and erosion of women's rights, no nation has formally recognized the Taliban government. Analysts suggest that Zhao's appointment is part of China's broader strategy to solidify its influence in the region.
Afghanistan occupies a pivotal position in an area crucial to China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. China has expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan's estimated $1 trillion worth of natural resources, including significant deposits of copper, lithium, and gold.
China's decision to name an ambassador to Afghanistan is seen as an attempt to position itself as an influential player in the region. It also represents a diplomatic move, particularly as many Western countries remain hesitant to engage with the Taliban.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that it will "continue advancing dialogue and cooperation" with Afghanistan and that its policy toward the country remains "clear and consistent." Zhao's appointment is described as a "normal rotation" of Chinese ambassadors to Afghanistan.
China is one of the few countries to maintain working missions in Afghanistan since the Taliban's resurgence. However, it has not indicated whether the appointment signifies wider recognition of the Taliban government. In a lavish ceremony, Taliban leaders welcomed Zhao at the presidential palace in Kabul, with the acting prime minister and acting foreign minister in attendance.
Zhao replaces Wang Yu, who served as ambassador since 2019 and completed his term last month.
China's decision to engage diplomatically with the Taliban is rooted in economic and security interests, particularly concerning its Xinjiang region, where militants along the Afghanistan border have targeted Chinese projects. This is sometimes seen as retaliation for China's alleged mistreatment of Uyghur Muslims. China has faced allegations of mass detentions, forced labor, and abuse of Uyghurs, which it denies.
Additionally, a few thousand Uyghurs who have fled to Afghanistan over the years now fear the consequences of China's growing influence in the country.
In January, the Taliban signed a significant energy extraction agreement with a Chinese firm, marking the first such deal with a foreign company since the group took control.
China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan also agreed earlier this year to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan, granting it a prominent role in the ambitious initiative. Observers are closely monitoring Afghanistan's role at the Belt and Road Initiative conference scheduled for October and its broader involvement in the project.
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