Taliban’s troubles are canaries in the mines for Chinese investors
- Afghanistan’s mineral resources attract China’s state and private firms, but instability and logistical barriers also await
- Existing security and infrastructure issues compounded by interim Afghan government’s in-tray and the threat of sanctions
Despite the lure of the country’s considerable mineral reserves, the threats and obstacles may cool Chinese entities’ enthusiasm for involvement, observers and traders said.
“The possibility of China investing in Afghan minerals is very low in the short term, although in the long run, if Afghanistan achieves stability and the international community eases sanctions, the possibility may increase,” said Zhu Yongbiao, a professor of international relations at Lanzhou University.
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Business in Kabul slowed by Taliban takeover
Having last month seized power following the US’ decision to withdraw troops after a 20-year presence, the Taliban has announced an interim government filled with hardline Taliban personnel. China has since urged the new government to be inclusive.
