Humera Iqbal
Ms. Humera Iqbal is Research Analyst at Institute of Regional Studies.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: China, Afghanistan, extremist groups, security, US, peace, foreign policy, President Xi Jinping
Abstract
China and Afghanistan celebrated 60 years of diplomatic and cordial relations on August 5. Chinese leaders are concerned about the situation in Afghanistan as the United States prepares to reduce its combat forces there. Worries in Beijing have been stoked by reports of the difficulty Afghan security forces have had in combating violent extremist organisations over the previous few years. Since the 1980s, Afghanistan has been a continual source of gloomy instability and a worrying neighbour for China. Both the United States and the Afghan government are putting pressure on Beijing because they believe it will play a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s future after 2014. China’s future peace and security depend on Afghanistan, hence Beijing adopted a proactive diplomatic tone for interacting with the country. Further, understanding the bigger picture in the region prompted China to formulate a policy of progressively engaging Afghanistan within the region. This paper examines how China’s foreign policy paradigms have shifted under President Xi Jinping’s leadership as the country has risen to regional prominence and taken on new responsibilities. Afghanistan’s place in China’s future discourse is also highlighted in the study. This research aims to examine the motivations and strategies behind Beijing’s involvement in Afghanistan, as well as the security threats that the country poses to China.
First Published
March 25, 2016
How to Cite
Humera Iqbal, “New Trends in Chinese Foreign Policy and the Evolving Sino-Afghan Ties,” Regional Studies 34, no.2 (Spring 2016): 37-64, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/new-trends-in-chinese-foreign-policy-and-the-evolving-sino-afghan-ties/
Issue
Volume 34, Issue 2