In post withdrawal Afghanistan, one of the countries that can play the most important and supportive role is People’ Republic of China. China, being the strongest of the countries in Asia, can lead Afghanistan to reconstruction, development and peace. And, China at the moment seems ready to take up this role.
It has been more than 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and China. China formally established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan on January 20, 1955, which was then followed by Premier Zhou Enlaj and Vice Premier He Long’s visit to Afghanistan, wherein they met King Zahir Shah and the foundations for mutual understanding between the two countries were laid.
The year 2015 is being celebrated as the year of Friendship and Cooperation between China and Afghanistan and both the countries have already celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. There are hopes that both the countries would keep their cordial relations continue and the China would not forget Afghanistan through tough times.
There is no doubt in the fact that Sino-Afghan relations are at a historical point as China could be in the leading role in the post withdrawal Afghanistan. It can definitely play a constructive role in the peace process in Afghanistan and China has already given the indication that it is ready to support Afghanistan in this regard. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also believes that China could be really supportive for Afghanistan in the upcoming challenges. He, on many occasions, has expressed hope that Beijing could play proactive role in Afghan peace process, and also emphasized that lasting peace in Afghanistan would benefit Afghanistan, China and the whole region.
On the other hand, China can also have an immense role to play in the economic stability of Afghanistan and promoting the business and financial self sufficiency of the country. China is not the largest donor country to Afghanistan, but China’s aid is sincere and without any political conditions. In the 1950s and 1960s, although China was not better off at that time, it still built some aid projects such as Parwan Irrigation System and Kandahar Hospital for Afghanistan, which still function well in promoting the livelihood and welfare of local people. In recent years, China has been actively supporting the Afghan peaceful reconstruction. By the end of October 2014, China had provided 1.52 billion yuan of grants, trained nearly one thousand professionals in all fields through bilateral and multilateral channels, provided over 10 batches of goods and materials, built important projects such as Jumhoriate Hospital, Teaching Building of Chinese Language Department and Guest House of Kabul University, National Center of Science and Technology Education, and Multi-functional Center in the Presidential Palace for Afghanistan. All of these have played effective role in promoting the development and people’s livelihood of Afghanistan, and gained praises from all walks of life of Afghanistan. During President Ashraf Ghani’s state visit to China last October, China committed to provide 2 billion yuan of grants to Afghanistan from 2014 to 2017, and train 3000 professionals in various fields in the next five years. Not long ago, a working group from the Ministry of Commence of China held in-depth talked with the Afghan side in Kabul on how to make good use of the 2 billion yuan of grants.
China has clearly shown the willingness that it will not leave Afghanistan’s hand at this crucial juncture, wherein it is in dire need of both political stability and economic support.
At the same time it is important to note that the announcement of around USD 3.5 billion by Metallurgic Corporation of China for the development of Aynak Copper mines is another important contribution that can have a lasting impact on the overall economy of Afghanistan.
Another important factor that can uplift the economic position of Afghanistan is the initiation of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road commonly known as ‘One Road – One Belt’. It is gaining support and acceptance in the Eurasian and Southeast Asian nations and it is believed that it can be a vital route for growing businesses in the region. As Afghanistan is a conduit connecting Central Asia and South Asia, it has a vital role in the project and at the same time can benefit to a great extent from it.
Apart from economic and political support, China has always continued support for Afghanistan in different other sectors as well. Education and capacity building have been among the most important ones. China, during President Ghani’s visit, also promised to provide 500 scholarships to students in the next five years.
President Ashraf Ghani had said earlier, “Afghanistan views China as a reliable strategic partner and believes that China can help it speed up its development and is ready for a long-term strategic cooperative partnership with China.” And, currently it seems very evident that China foresees the same kind of role in Afghanistan.
In addition, the peace process with Taliban is being supported by China and China has given clear indication that its role would be assistive regarding the process. Currently Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson talking about the reconciliation process in Afghanistan has said, “The Chinese side is ready to cooperate with all parties and play a constructive role in the extensive and inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan as always.” And, China seems determined to put it to practice, as well.