The China-Russia Relations with Afghan Taliban: Opportunities and Challenges, 2021-2025

Abstract

This paper explores the emerging relationship and engagement of Afghan government, under Taliban by China and Russia following Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. The relationship is paradoxical, as both the states converge on security, political, and economic interests, however, they diverge as well.  China places greater emphasis on economic collaboration (the Belt and Road Initiative), whereas Russia focuses on security to prevent the spread of radical ideologies in Central Asia. This paper highlights both the convergence as opportunity and divergence as challenges, and how they reconcile. This study is qualitative in nature, using both primary and secondary data, mainly text based. 

Key Words: China-Russia Strategic Partnership, Afghan Taliban Governance, Regional Security Dynamics, Economic Cooperation and Belt and Road Initiative, Geopolitical Challenges in Central Asia