After the withdrawal of US and NATO from Afghanistan, one of the countries that can play the most important 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 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. The celebrations took place during the last week in Afghanistan by Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan – Deng Xijun, while participating in the ceremony held in the Afghan Foreign Ministry emphasized that both China and Afghanistan will continue to work in cooperation for a better future of bilateral relations. He also mentioned that China has actively supported the Afghan peaceful reconstruction process within its own capacity, and that China has built important projects such as Jamhoriat (Republic) hospital, the teaching building of the Chinese Language Department and the Guest House of Kabul University in the country. He further added that both countries have conducted good cooperation in security and counter-terrorism and China- Afghanistan relationship is standing at a new historical starting point and facing new opportunities for further development.
There is no doubt in the fact that Sino-Afghan relations are at a historical starting 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. Talking during a ceremony at Arg last week, he expressed hope that Beijing could play proactive role in Afghan peace process, adding 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. In this regard, China has already given the willingness that it will not leave Afghanistan’s hand. During President Ghani’s visit to China, China reiterated that it would keep economic support continue for Afghanistan. It announced a non-reimbursable grant of around USD 81.4 million for 2014 and another grant of USD 244 million for 2015-2017. Moreover, 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.
During President Ghani’s visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping told clearly, “China will enhance its support for Afghanistan’s peaceful reconstruction, help Afghanistan frame a plan on national economic and social development, train professionals and develop agriculture, hydroelectricity and infrastructure.”
Therefore, it was for the first time that China held an international conference on Afghanistan. As a host of the ‘Heart of Asia Conference,’ China seems completely prepared to shoulder its regional initiatives and responsibilities for promotion of peace and development in Afghanistan. Ashraf Ghani’s first state visit to China provided an opportunity for an in depth exchange of views between the Chinese and Afghan leadership. During the visit, President Ghani was told by the Chinese President Xi Jinping that “China will enhance its support for Afghanistan’s peaceful reconstruction, help Afghanistan frame a plan on national economic and social development, train professionals and develop agriculture, hydroelectricity and infrastructure.”
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 and train 3,000 Afghan professionals in various fields 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 is ready to take up that role.