Pakistan Accuses Afghanistan in Islamabad Blast as China Condemns Attack
China has strongly condemned the February 6 suicide bombing in Islamabad, which resulted in the tragic loss of 31 lives. In an official statement, the Chinese foreign ministry expressed firm opposition to all forms of terrorism and pledged unwavering support for Pakistan's efforts to maintain national security and protect its citizens. This condemnation comes at a critical juncture, as Pakistan has pointed fingers at Afghanistan, alleging that the bomber had connections to groups based there, while the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the devastating attack.
Deepening Tensions and China's Mediation Role
The blast exacerbates already strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with China attempting to act as a mediator between the two neighboring nations. Historically, various terror outfits operating in both Pakistan and Afghanistan have targeted Chinese projects and personnel, creating a complex security landscape. Despite these threats, the Taliban government in Kabul and Beijing are cautiously working to deepen their engagement, balancing economic interests with security concerns.
A History of Terror Attacks Targeting Chinese Interests
Recent incidents highlight the persistent danger to Chinese nationals in the region. Last month, a suicide bomber attacked a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, killing seven people, including a Chinese citizen, with the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISKP) claiming responsibility. This follows a pattern from last year, where nine Chinese individuals died in three separate terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, one of which was also claimed by ISKP. Going back further, in June 2004, 11 Chinese workers on a road project in Kunduz province were killed by terrorists, with suspicions pointing to the Taliban. These events have instilled a degree of caution in China's on-ground operations in Afghanistan, yet they have not diminished Beijing's long-term ambitions for economic and security cooperation in the country.
Ancient and Modern Ties Between Afghanistan and China
The relationship between Afghanistan and China spans millennia, rooted in shared Buddhist heritage and the historic Silk Road, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange. From the early travels of Chinese scholars like Faxien and Xuanzang through Afghanistan to India, to the spread of Islam in the region, these interactions have shaped a complex historical backdrop. In modern times, diplomatic relations were established in 1950, with Premier Zhou-en-Lie visiting Kabul and a border settlement reached in 1963. However, ties remained limited as Afghanistan aligned more closely with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, a period that saw China supporting the Mujahideen against Soviet forces in the 1980s.
From the Taliban to the Afghan Republic and Beyond
The rise of the Taliban in the 1990s presented new challenges, with China maintaining contacts through Pakistan to discourage support for Uighur militants. After the fall of the Taliban, the Afghan Republic sought Chinese involvement in development, leading to a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership in 2012. China's focus on exploiting mineral resources in the Hindu Kush mountains was hampered by ongoing Taliban insurgency. With the Taliban's return to power in 2021, China has adjusted its policies, keeping its embassy open in Kabul and aiming for a stable, economically integrated Afghanistan without military intervention. Beijing continues to seek mediation between the Taliban and Pakistan, though success remains uncertain amid persistent security threats and geopolitical realignments in India's neighborhood.
