China’s Vice President Han Zheng addressed the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Along with retreads of established Chinese positions on Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Israel/Palestine conflict, his comments also provided interesting clues about China’s messaging to the Global South.
First, he called on the international community to “follow the direction of a multipolar world” with the UN at its center. I wonder how opinion within Beijing’s inner circles breaks down around the bipolarity/multipolarity issue, considering ...
Country: Afghanistan
China’s Complicated Involvement in Afghanistan’s Extractive Industry
During the 18-19 May China-Central Asia summit, President Xi Jinping pledged to “continue to help the Afghan people maintain security and stability and realize peace and reconstruction. We will work together to build a Central Asia that features no conflict.” While accepting the good tidings, the ...
Afghanistan Signs New Oil Deal With China, Assures Beijing It Will Also Improve Security For Its People
The Afghan government signed a symbolically important oil extraction deal with a Chinese state-owned company, the first such agreement since the Taliban took power in 2021. The Chinese side will own 80% of the venture and invest $150 million annually in ...
The Limits of China’s Engagement in Afghanistan
By Lukas Fiala On Monday, armed extremists opened fire inside Kabul Longan Hotel, a popular accommodation for Chinese citizens in Afghanistan. With many dead or injured, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility and that the attack targeted Chinese citizens. More than one ...
China Cuts Import Tariffs for Ten Poor Countries
China will cut tariffs on 98% of taxable imports from ten low-income countries. 8,786 different products from Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Malawi, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia will be zero-rated from December 1.
Is China Planning Bases in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin shot down allegations in the Indian media that China is planning military bases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The issue was raised at a Ministry briefing by a reporter for Agence France Presse, and ...
Analysis from Cobus van Staden
Unpacking Han Zheng’s Messaging to the Global South at the UN General Assembly
Ukraine, Afghanistan, and China’s ‘Inadvertent Empire’
By Hugo Jones and Lukas Fiala As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters a new phase and more evidence of war crimes surfaces, it is hard to overstate the significance these events will have for Europe’s security architecture, the West’s relationship with ...