Ordinarily, you’ll only find articles here that are directly related to military conflict and terrorism. I included this development due to the Taliban connection…
Read more about the BRI here on mgChinaU
What does China want in Afghanistan?
The Soviets tried to take Afghanistan. The US wanted control. Now China is moving in…
The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan: Context, Importance, and Broader Implications
Why did the Soviets invade Afghanistan?
- Cold War Context: The invasion in 1979 must be contextualized within the larger framework of the Cold War, where the U.S. and the Soviet Union competed for global influence. An unstable Afghanistan could provide a base for anti-Soviet activities, especially if it leaned Westward or collapsed into chaos.
- Communist Government Support: The Soviets sought to prop up the Communist government of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, which faced internal opposition and revolts. Preserving a friendly communist government would ensure a buffer zone against potential western influence.
- Security Concerns: Afghanistan’s proximity to the Soviet Union’s vulnerable southern underbelly, especially the republics with significant Muslim populations, posed a concern. The Soviets feared that Islamic fundamentalism from Afghanistan could inspire revolts in these republics.
Afghanistan’s Geopolitical and Economic Importance
- Strategic Location: Afghanistan, historically called the “crossroads of Asia,” connects South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Controlling it would provide any major power with significant strategic depth.
- Economic Resources: Afghanistan is rich in minerals, including critical rare earth elements, precious stones like lapis lazuli, and has potential hydrocarbon reserves.
- Pipeline Politics: Its location makes it pivotal for potential oil and gas pipelines connecting Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, bypassing Russia and Iran.
U.S. Interests in Afghanistan
- Countering Soviet Influence: During the Cold War, the U.S. supported the Mujahideen to resist the Soviet occupation, turning Afghanistan into a costly venture for the USSR.
- Counter-terrorism: Following 9/11, U.S. interest shifted to dismantling Al-Qaeda and ensuring Afghanistan would not be a haven for terror groups.
- Regional Stability: A stable Afghanistan is crucial for regional stability, affecting U.S. allies like India and preventing spillovers into Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state.
China’s Economic Relationship with Afghanistan and the BRI Inclusion
- Economic Investments: China, even before the recent BRI inclusion, had significant investments in Afghanistan, such as the Aynak copper mine deal.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Including Afghanistan in the BRI offers potential road and rail links from China to Iran, providing Beijing with access to the Middle East and beyond.
China’s Strategic View of Afghanistan
- Economic Potential: China sees Afghanistan as a bridge connecting it to the markets and resources of South and West Asia, especially within the BRI framework.
- Security Concerns: Beijing is concerned about Afghanistan becoming a sanctuary for Uyghur militants, which might impact its Xinjiang province. A stable Afghanistan helps to mitigate this risk.
- Geopolitical Leverage: Engaging with Afghanistan, especially under the Taliban, allows China to expand its influence in South Asia and potentially limit Western access.
- Regional Stability: China shares a small border with Afghanistan. Stability in Afghanistan ensures that no spillover effects destabilize China’s broader Central Asian interests.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s geostrategic location, combined with its economic potential, has made it an area of interest for multiple global powers over the years, including the Soviet Union, the U.S., and now China. While the actors change, the underlying importance of Afghanistan in global geopolitics remains a consistent theme.
