China-Afghanistan Relations: Implications for China in the Post-US Military Exit from Afghanistan

Abstract

The post-US military exit from Afghanistan has produced a new opening for Chinese
engagement in Afghanistan. Two aspects, security concerns and economic opportunities to this
effect, are significant and will determine the contours of paradigm that will guide China’s new
engagement in Afghanistan. Two things will determine the stability in the region: China’s
assessment of the implications and policy response to fill in the vacuum, and, secondly, how
China balances its security apprehensions with economic openings. Otherwise, chaos might
spell not only in its western border but the region in its backyard might slide to chaos and will
enhance Chinese security concerns. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the nature of
security concerns and their impact on Beijing’s economic interests. ‘Great Cohesive Power’
framework has been employed to explain China’s New Neighborhood Diplomacy that is aimed
by Beijing to balance between security concerns and economic interests.