Book excerpt | The Comrades and the Mullahs: China, Afghanistan and the New Asian Geopolitics
2 years, 9 months ago

Book excerpt | The Comrades and the Mullahs: China, Afghanistan and the New Asian Geopolitics

The Hindu  

Why did the U.S. have to withdraw from Afghanistan? The message was simple: China saw the Taliban as a legitimate stakeholder in Afghanistan’s future, and when it came to power, Beijing would have its back. China, as Afghanistan’s largest neighbour, he said, ‘has always respected Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, adhered to non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs and pursued a friendly policy toward the entire Afghan people’. Wang said China hoped the Taliban ‘will make a clean break with all terrorist organisations including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement’. ‘It’s stunning to think that among the Taliban today studying Mao Zedong Thought takes precedence over reciting the Quran,’ he claimed on China’s Twitter equivalent Sina Weibo.

China Pakistan Afghanistan Taliban Chinese Beijing Wang Mao Afghan Baradar  comrades  mullahs  afghanistan  wang  talibans  afghan  china  asian  chinese  baradar  book  geopolitics  chinas  beijing  taliban  excerpt

History of this topic

The Taliban’s new ambassador arrives in China as Afghanistan’s rulers court foreign investment
1 year ago

The Taliban’s new ambassador arrives in China as Afghanistan’s rulers court foreign investment

Associated Press  

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban government’s new ambassador to China arrived in Beijing on Friday — the first time Afghanistan’s rulers have officially sent an ambassador to another country since returning to power more than two years ago. The new ambassador, Bilal Karimi, who has no diplomatic experience and is in his late 20s or early 30s, was welcomed in …

A position paper, China’s image, and what it means
1 year, 7 months ago

A position paper, China’s image, and what it means

The Hindu  

In early April this year, the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Qin Gang, along with his counterparts from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Samarkand for the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries. Titled, ‘China’s position on the Afghan Issue’, the 11-point paper is important for two reasons, the first vis-à-vis …

China ready to help Afghanistan stabilise, FM Qin Gang tells Afghan counterpart
1 year, 7 months ago

China ready to help Afghanistan stabilise, FM Qin Gang tells Afghan counterpart

Hindustan Times  

Beijing: China is ready to help Afghanistan realise peace and stability at an early date and is opposed to any “interference” in the country’s internal affairs, Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang has said amid reports of widespread rights abuse including the worsening rights of women and girls under the Taliban regime. Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal …

China promises to promote peace, stability in Afghanistan
1 year, 7 months ago

China promises to promote peace, stability in Afghanistan

Firstpost  

Foreign Minister and State Councillor of China Qin Gang has stated that China is prepared to help Afghanistan achieve self-sufficiency, peace, stability, growth, and prosperity. According to a report by Khaama Press, Qin Gang, during a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister in Islamabad under the caretaker Taliban regime, said China will always stand firmly with the …

China’s oil gambit in Taliban’s Afghanistan
1 year, 11 months ago

China’s oil gambit in Taliban’s Afghanistan

The Hindu  

The signing of a multi-million-dollar deal between Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co and the Taliban in Kabul is being marketed by the latter as its first major economic win since the return of the Islamic Emirate in August 2021. It has pushed the Taliban to act against Uyghur-led militant groups operating inside Afghan territory, such as the Turkistan …

As West puts Taliban on hold, Kabul eyes future in China, Russia
2 years, 4 months ago

As West puts Taliban on hold, Kabul eyes future in China, Russia

Al Jazeera  

The killing of al-Qaeda leader in Kabul will add to mistrust between the Taliban and the West, prolonging the group’s diplomatic isolation. Although engagement between the West and Afghanistan is “likely to slow down” in the wake of al-Zawahiri’s killing, “so far it is unclear if this development will impact regional engagement with the Taliban’s de facto government”, said Ibraheem …

Understanding the Taliban
2 years, 4 months ago

Understanding the Taliban

The Hindu  

For many, the Taliban, with their strident pre-modern worldview and violence, are an embodiment of barbarity. His 2004 book, Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001, offers exhaustive details about the different phases of Afghanistan’s decades-long civil war — the U.S.-backed Mujahideen resistance against the Soviets, the …

On China Ties, Taliban Minister Muttaqi Says Action to be Based on 'Islamic Interest' - News18
2 years, 6 months ago

On China Ties, Taliban Minister Muttaqi Says Action to be Based on 'Islamic Interest' - News18

News 18  

Afghanistan has good relations with China and any progress will take into account “national and Islamic interests", the Taliban government’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told News18 in an exclusive interview. In order to make further progress in this respect, we would take into account national and Islamic interests and will take steps which would be beneficial for Afghanistan as …

China's Foreign Minister Makes Surprise Stop in Kabul As West Fumes Over Taliban's Ban on Schools for Girls
2 years, 9 months ago

China's Foreign Minister Makes Surprise Stop in Kabul As West Fumes Over Taliban's Ban on Schools for Girls

News 18  

China’s foreign minister made a surprise stop in Kabul on Thursday to meet Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, even as the international community fumes over the hardline movement’s broken promise a day earlier to open schools to girls beyond Grade 6. The official Bakhtar News Agency announced Wang Yi will meet with Taliban leaders “to discuss various issues including the extension of …

China's foreign minister Wang Yi makes surprise stop in Kabul
2 years, 9 months ago

China's foreign minister Wang Yi makes surprise stop in Kabul

India TV News  

Highlights China’s foreign minister made a surprise stop in Kabul on Thursday He met Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers today The official Bakhtar News Agency announced Wang Yi will meet with Taliban leaders China’s foreign minister made a surprise stop in Kabul on Thursday to meet Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, even as the international community fumes over the hardline movement’s broken promise a …

Amid flurry of Taliban diplomacy, Qatar stresses engagement
3 years, 2 months ago

Amid flurry of Taliban diplomacy, Qatar stresses engagement

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Qatar’s foreign minister said isolating Afghanistan and its new Taliban rulers “will never be an answer” and argued Wednesday that engaging with the former insurgents could empower the more moderate voices among them. Al Thani told an audience of counterterrorism specialists in Doha that Qatar believes the international community should urge the Taliban “to take …

China’s Neighborhood Keeps Getting Rougher
3 years, 3 months ago

China’s Neighborhood Keeps Getting Rougher

The Diplomat  

One of the main obstacles to China’s rise has always been geography. As of September 2021, two of China’s neighbors – Afghanistan and Myanmar – are in dire straits, with civil war and state collapse looming as very real possibilities. As Yun Sun wrote recently in War on the Rocks, China is uncomfortable with the Taliban: “The Taliban’s fundamentalist nature, …

Taliban foreign minister meets Chinese envoy in Kabul day after sit-down with top UN official
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban foreign minister meets Chinese envoy in Kabul day after sit-down with top UN official

India Today  

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Taliban regime met with Wang Yu, Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan in Kabul on Tuesday. READ: The Cabinet of Terrorists: Key members of new Taliban regime in Afghanistan Taliban's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a statement, said China and Afghanistan are neighbours and the development of bilateral relations is in the …

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban plans to hold oath-taking ceremony on September 11
3 years, 3 months ago

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban plans to hold oath-taking ceremony on September 11

India TV News  

The interim government of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan is likely to take the oath of office on September 11, a day which also marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001. As per reports, the newly-formed Taliban government has rolled out invitations to various countries to be part of the oath-taking ceremony, including China, …

China endorses the Taliban government in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

China endorses the Taliban government in Afghanistan

The Hindu  

China, on September 8, said the new interim administration announced by the Taliban has put an end to “anarchy” in Afghanistan, terming it as a “necessary step” to restore order, even as it reiterated its stand that the Afghan militant group should form a broad-based political structure and follow moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies. “We noticed that the …

Who are the men leading the Taliban’s new government?
3 years, 3 months ago

Who are the men leading the Taliban’s new government?

Al Jazeera  

Several senior figures in the Taliban’s new government in Afghanistan have close ties to Taliban founder Mullah Omar. Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, who is on a UN sanctions list, was named as leader of the new government, while Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar was named as his deputy at a news conference in Kabul on Tuesday. Here is a rundown …

Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar set to head Taliban government in Afghanistan
3 years, 3 months ago

Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar set to head Taliban government in Afghanistan

The Hindu  

Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar will lead a new Afghan government that could be announced soon, sources in the Islamist group said on Friday, as it battled rebel fighters and tried to ward off economic collapse. Mullah Baradar, who heads the Taliban’s political office, will be joined by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, and Sher …

China is our most important partner, pass to markets all over the world: Afghan Taliban
3 years, 3 months ago

China is our most important partner, pass to markets all over the world: Afghan Taliban

India TV News  

Describing China as its "most important partner", the Afghan Taliban has said it looks to Beijing to rebuild Afghanistan and exploit its rich copper deposits as the war-ravaged country faces widespread hunger and fears of an economic collapse. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the group supports China's One Belt, One Road initiative that seeks to link China with Africa, Asia …

K.C. Singh | India’s options limited as Pakistan makes hay in Kabul
3 years, 3 months ago

K.C. Singh | India’s options limited as Pakistan makes hay in Kabul

Deccan Chronicle  

The fast-moving developments in Afghanistan continue to capture public attention in India. The nature of the next government is critical as even China’s foreign ministry, perhaps paying lip service, sought an “inclusive and widely representative government”, with moderate domestic and foreign policies. Pakistan is in the driver’s seat for now as its close ally Khalil Haqqani is not only near …

Qatar’s Taliban efforts position Doha as a key mediator: Analysts
3 years, 4 months ago

Qatar’s Taliban efforts position Doha as a key mediator: Analysts

Al Jazeera  

Qatar is well-positioned to be the first contact point for regional and international players who want to engage the Taliban. Qatar’s move to act as a mediator between the Taliban’s political leaders and former Afghan officials has solidified the Gulf state as a regional power broker, analysts say. Top Taliban political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returned to Afghanistan this …

Taliban appeal for international recognition; say China has 'big role' to play
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban appeal for international recognition; say China has 'big role' to play

India Today  

The Taliban have appealed to the international community to recognise it amid growing resentment against it at home and abroad, even as the Afghan militant group sought to placate China, saying Beijing can play a “big role” under its rule in the strife-torn country. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the international community should "respect the will of the Afghan people" …

Who are the Taliban leaders now controlling Afghanistan?
3 years, 4 months ago

Who are the Taliban leaders now controlling Afghanistan?

ABC  

In the 1980s, the United States backed a coalition of so-called "mujahideen" militants in their fight against Soviet occupation. Known as the "Leader of the Faithful", Islamic legal scholar Haibatullah Akhundzada is the Taliban's supreme leader who holds final authority over the group's political, religious, and military affairs. The Taliban's supreme leader has three deputies: Mawlavi Yaqoob, son of Mullah …

China seeks stability in Afghanistan before economic dialogue
3 years, 4 months ago

China seeks stability in Afghanistan before economic dialogue

Al Jazeera  

While China’s foreign affairs officials are signalling friendship and cooperation, it will take much deeper action on the ground to move anywhere near real engagement. “If the Taliban can keep its promise properly and improve security, not allow militants to go against other countries, including China, I think it’s quite possible for China to consider economic engagement, in a big …

Afghans confront uneasy reality as Taliban tighten grip on Afghanistan | 10 points
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghans confront uneasy reality as Taliban tighten grip on Afghanistan | 10 points

India Today  

Over 48 hours have passed since the Taliban took control of Kabul. Addressing reporters at Government Media and Information Centre in Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said international media will be allowed to function as long as they do not go against "Islamic values". Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar being welcomed upon his return to Afghanistan on Tuesday | …

With economic assets to secure, China embraces the Taliban
3 years, 4 months ago

With economic assets to secure, China embraces the Taliban

Al Jazeera  

When the Taliban took over Afghanistan the first time in 1996, China refused to recognize their rule and left its embassy shut for years. “Twenty years ago, China wasn’t a global power and what was happening in Afghanistan didn’t bother China,” said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. Still, Hua stopped short of endorsing …

China says it hopes Taliban will ‘ensure peaceful transition’ and ‘stop terrorism’
3 years, 4 months ago

China says it hopes Taliban will ‘ensure peaceful transition’ and ‘stop terrorism’

The Hindu  

China’s government said on Monday it hoped the Taliban would “fulfil its commitment to ensure a smooth transition” and “curb all kinds of terrorism" in Afghanistan following its rapid takeover of the country. Asked if China will recognise the new Taliban regime, Ms. Hua said China “stands ready to develop good-neighbourly, friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan, and to play …

Taliban discuss future of govt in Doha; this is a test for us, says top leader
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban discuss future of govt in Doha; this is a test for us, says top leader

India Today  

The Taliban said they are discussing the future of their government's course, including its structure and name, in a meeting in Doha. A TOLOnews report mentioned that the Taliban leadership is busy in discussions in Doha and they are in touch with the international community and political parties within Afghanistan. The current situation is a test for the Taliban, said …

Who are the Taliban’s key leaders in Afghanistan?
3 years, 4 months ago

Who are the Taliban’s key leaders in Afghanistan?

Al Jazeera  

Six important figures lead the Taliban movement, which has been fighting the Western-backed government since 2001. The Taliban is once again ascending militarily in Afghanistan since foreign troops began to withdraw, seizing most of the country’s territory to control the capitals of 10 of 34 provinces Its founder and original leader was Mullah Mohammad Omar, who went into hiding after …

As the US withdraws, China pins regional stability hopes on the Afghan Taliban
3 years, 4 months ago

As the US withdraws, China pins regional stability hopes on the Afghan Taliban

ABC  

Last month, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed a high-profile delegation of Taliban officials to meet in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Key points: China recognises the Taliban as a necessary ally amid US withdrawal Beijing fears unrest in neighbouring Afghanistan could fuel extremism in Xinjiang Analysts maintain the Taliban is a notoriously risky and unreliable ally Mr Wang stood …

China sees both an opportunity and a threat in Afghanistan
3 years, 4 months ago

China sees both an opportunity and a threat in Afghanistan

Hindustan Times  

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi recently hosted a delegation of the Taliban, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Tianjin. The Afghan militant group has visited China before, and the Chinese maintain regular channels of communication and contact through the Taliban’s Doha office. Since 2018-19, China has arguably preferred to deal with the Taliban through Doha, but this time, the …

Taliban team visits China, ministry says they will play 'important' role in Afghan peace
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban team visits China, ministry says they will play 'important' role in Afghan peace

India Today  

China told a visiting Taliban delegation on Wednesday it expected the insurgent group to play an important role in ending Afghanistan's war and rebuilding the country, the Chinese foreign ministry said. Nine Taliban representatives met Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin on a two-day visit during which the peace process and security issues were discussed, …

Afghanistan: China’s Wang Yi and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar meet in Tianjin as US exits
3 years, 4 months ago

Afghanistan: China’s Wang Yi and Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar meet in Tianjin as US exits

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — China’s Foreign Minister met with senior leaders of the Taliban in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin on Wednesday in the latest sign of warming ties between Beijing and the resurgent Islamist group. During a meeting with Taliban’s co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who heads the group’s political committee, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the …

Taliban is China's new friend, because it makes for good business sense
3 years, 4 months ago

Taliban is China's new friend, because it makes for good business sense

India Today  

The US military is getting out of Afghanistan by August 31, 2021, and with barely a month to go, a Taliban delegation was already in China on July 28 holding friendly 'talks' in Tianjin. In a recent interview to South China Morning Post newspaper Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said “We have been to China many times and we have good …

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts Taliban, calls them ‘pivotal force’
3 years, 4 months ago

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts Taliban, calls them ‘pivotal force’

The Hindu  

China on Wednesday hosted a rare nine-member Taliban delegation amid its recent ascendancy in Afghanistan, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi describing the group as “a pivotal military and political force” in the country. The delegation, led by Abdul Ghani Baradar who heads the Taliban’s political office in Doha, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials in Tianjin, …

In a first, Taliban delegates visit China to meet its foreign minister
3 years, 4 months ago

In a first, Taliban delegates visit China to meet its foreign minister

Op India  

China is probably seeing the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan as an opportunity to ramp up its closeness with the war-torn country. According to reports, Taliban delegates led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar held talks in China with foreign minister Wang Yi on Wednesday. The Taliban also thanked China for ‘its continued cooperation with the …

After meeting, China expects Taliban to play 'important role' in Afghan peace process
3 years, 4 months ago

After meeting, China expects Taliban to play 'important role' in Afghan peace process

India Today  

China told a visiting Taliban delegation on Wednesday it expected the insurgent group to play an important role in ending Afghanistan's war and rebuilding the country, the Chinese foreign ministry said. Nine Taliban representatives met Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin on a two-day visit during which the peace process and security issues were discussed, …

China asks Taliban to make ‘clean break’ from all terrorist forces
3 years, 5 months ago

China asks Taliban to make ‘clean break’ from all terrorist forces

The Hindu  

In a significant policy statement on the Taliban which is making big gains in its offensive in Afghanistan, China has asked it to make a “clean break” from all terrorist forces, especially the al-Qaeda-backed Uyghur Muslim militant group ETIM fighting for the volatile Xinjiang Province’s independence. Playing down China’s concerns, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said his group sees China as …

Discover Related