China’s Alternative Prudent Approach in Afghanistan

After the catastrophic 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States (US) launched a war in Afghanistan to combat terrorism as a major non‐traditional security threat. Twenty years later, Afghanistan is still struggling for solidarity, stability, and development, and remains a hotbed for transnational terrorism. Although observers view China as a key player in Afghanistan, which will fill the strategic vacuum left by the US withdrawal, a successful Chinese approach in Afghanistan depends on many factors including the US competition strategy vis‐à‐vis China, the Taliban's rule, neighbouring countries’ interests and choices with respect to Afghanistan, and other factors. Therefore, China may devise a realistic, pragmatic, constructive, and cooperative approach to address the non‐traditional security challenges in Afghanistan. Taking due cognisance of the bitter stories of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, China maintained a low‐key stance in Afghanistan after the Soviets withdrew from the country. After 1991, to address the security concerns in Xinjiang, China supported the building of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan and seeks to avoid any military presence in the country. China will largely maintain this prudent approach in Afghanistan after US withdrawal from the country.