CHINA’S GEOSTRATEGIC RELATIONS WITH AFGHANISTAN: CHANGING ORDER AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The changing order at the regional and global levels has paved the way for China to increase its strategic capability to counter regional and global rivals. The contemporary geopolitics of the world have dramatically changed the power dynamics and developed friendly relations between China and the Taliban regime. In this paper, we have provided an analysis of China’s strategic ties and challenges in Afghanistan. We have analyzed Afghanistan's challenges and prospects that may increase obstacles to achieving China’s strategic interests vis-à-vis (Belt and Road Initiative) BRI and (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) CPEC. We have employed the theories of neo-classical realism and geopolitics. This paper attempts to glean the past and present context between China and Afghanistan. The main objective of this paper is to explore and examine China’s policy towards Afghanistan and the Taliban’s response and strategy towards China. This paper has employed neo-classical and geopolitical theories to understand China-Afghanistan geostrategic relations.