China-Afghanistan Relations and the BRI: Progress, Challenges and Prospects

Following their return to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban regime recognized the significance of China as a key ally. Through participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), they aimed to bolster support for the country’s economic and social progress. Nonetheless, the BRI’s progress in Afghanistan has been impeded by a lack of infrastructure, persistent political instability, and security concerns. In this particular chapter, we delve into the BRI’s recent progress, focusing on five key areas: policy coordination, unobstructed trade, physical connectivity, financial aid, and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, we explore the various internal and external obstacles that BRI initiatives encounter, and forecast how the BRI will fare in Afghanistan under Taliban governance. Ultimately, we conclude that the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan could be advantageous for both China and Afghanistan as part of the BRI.