On 22 September, SIPRI hosted an online roundtable discussion on the theme ‘China’s Afghan Footprint in a Post-US Withdrawal Environment’. The online event convened experts from Afghanistan, China and Europe to discuss and explore whether and how China might play a constructive role in a Taliban-led Afghanistan, and propose recommendations for regional, economic and political stability.
The half-day, closed-door discussion included two panels, which focused on the evolution of China’s economic, humanitarian and security interests in Afghanistan and the broader region; the challenges in China–Afghan relations; broader regional economic and security relations; and ways forward for stabilizing and supporting the economic reconstruction in Afghanistan.
About the project
The aim of this project is to examine China’s evolving interests and footprint in Afghanistan post-US withdrawal. It seeks to better understand whether China’s interests fit the agenda of a Taliban-led regime, and what role China might play in supporting the economic reconstruction and political stability of the country and the broader region. This online roundtable and a forthcoming report have been made possible with the support of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The final findings and project report will be available in December 2022.