The a Uighur nationalist and Islamic movement from China’s

instability in Afghanistan threatens the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – an
important element of OBOR. China is acting as a mediator to reconcile the   differences
between the countries of the region. Beijing is working hard  to improve the relations
between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It arranged a tripartite
meeting at foreign ministers level in 2017. The talks produced
working panels to promote cooperation in various areas.  Another meeting is  expected to take place this
year in Kabul.

Turkistan Islamic Movement, a Uighur
nationalist and Islamic movement from China’s Xinjiang region, is operating in Afghanistan. The militants gain
combat experience fighting side by side with the Taliban and other militant
groups. Beijing does not want the seasoned warriors to come back and engage in
terrorist activities on its territory.

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and China step up military aid to Central Asian states.  They believe that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) can substantially contribute into achieving peaceful settlement. Both are
trying to create a network of regional states. Moscow and Beijing are motivated
by their national interests, which coincide. As major powers they are working
together to promote security in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

told, the China’s interest is strong enough to justify military engagement beyond
its borders. The Afghan government officials reported
that China is to
build a military base in Badakhshan.  The discussions
on the location and further technicalities for the base are
to start soon. The weapons and equipment will be Chinese but
the facility will be manned by Afghan military. No doubt, Chinese military
instructors and other personnel will come to carry out for train and assist
missions. The preparations for construction have already
begun.  Vice Chairman
of China’s Central Military Commission Xu
Qilian said
the construction is expected to be complete in 2018.

2017, the Taliban delivered serious strikes temporarily
capturing Ishkashim and Zebak districts of Badakhshan from the government troops. The
Afghan government failed to provide the military presence substantial enough to
ensure security. Before the attacks, an agreement with local field commanders had
been in place, giving them their share of 
 lapis lazuli production in exchange for peace. But
internal bickering undermined the fragile peace between the local groups and
the Taliban seized the opportunity to intervene. The Islamic State’s presence
in the province is a matter of special concern. 
It makes border security an issue of paramount importance for Beijing.

question is how far is China ready to go? Until now, it has limited its
military activities to special operations teams patrolling the Wakhan
Corridor.   A military base in Badakhshan is an important
move to demonstrate  Beijing is ready to
expand its presence in the country and become an alternative to the United
States.  China has a trump card the US
lacks – the cooperation
of Russia and Pakistan. Beijing represents the SCO, a large international
organization comprising such actors as Turkey, Iran, India, Pakistan and the countries
of Central Asia.  The SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group’s activities were restarted last year upon the initiative of Russian president Vladimir
Putin. They were suspended in 2009.  Russia
advocates launching direct talks between the Afghan Government and
the Taliban as soon as possible. Beijing supports the idea. Moscow has said it is
ready to host a
conference on Afghanistan.   

SCO can make the crisis management process a real multilateral effort. It will reduce
the clout of the US but increase chances for peace. Security cooperation and
diplomatic activities can open new chapter in the Afghan history.