The withdrawal of Taliban in Afghanistan is seen as a victory for Pakistan and China. Pakistan has been a constant supporter of the Taliban and China has been a constant sympathizer and 'Big Brother' of the Taliban since 2019.
Is China strengthening the Taliban?
The Taliban has said that China supports the Taliban-US agreement and has shown the right path to a solution. Top leaders of the Taliban and China have met many times on many issues. The Taliban has invited several countries, including China, to the inaugural event. Countries like Pakistan, China and Russia can recognize the Taliban government.
Why is China supporting the Taliban?
According to Chinese experts, both Taliban and China need each other. China is fighting insurgency in the Xinjiang region. The East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) is a Uighur Islamic fundamentalist organization that operates from the China-Afghanistan border region. These fighters flee to Afghanistan to avoid being captured by China. Reports suggest that there are still many ETIM fighters in Afghanistan. In such a situation, China has sought assurance from the Taliban that it will not give ETIM any place on Afghan soil. In response, the Taliban have said that they will send ETIM fighters to China where Chinese forces can deal with the insurgents.
Mineral resources
Afghanistan is full of mineral resources. Many rare metals are also found in Afghanistan. In such a situation, China's eyes are on these mineral resources. China has the technology to extract minerals from the rough mountains of Afghanistan. The Taliban also need revenue to run the government. In such a situation, the Taliban is ready to give China a place in Afghanistan.
Why only China?
China is one of the countries that has abandoned all principles for its own benefit. China came out in the open to block sanctions against Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Masood Azhar in the United Nations. In such a situation, China is on its way to become a big player in Afghanistan. China may also expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to increase its reach in Central and West Asia.
India's concerns
While in America, India was working on many development projects in Afghanistan. This has also created a good image for India in Afghanistan. But now it is not possible under Taliban rule. Pakistan can work to create unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. In such a situation, India has limited options to deal with the Taliban. Like China and Pakistan, India has not shied away from its principles. This is the reason why India has closed the embassy and all consulates of Afghanistan.
Compared to the previous Taliban regime, India has not closed the door to talks. The Taliban have said many times that India is an important country in this region and we want to build better relations with India. The Taliban has also said that the Taliban should not be dragged between the issues of India and Pakistan. However, the Taliban have also said that they have the right to speak for Kashmiri Muslims. In such a situation, India is taking its steps forward with caution regarding the Taliban.
