Commentary
But their "principal to principal" model will only be as effective as the political strength of each leader back home.
Damien Ma
{
"authors": [
"Tiffany Ng"
],
"type": "other",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "asia",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "AP",
"programs": [
"Asia"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"South Asia",
"Afghanistan",
"East Asia",
"China"
],
"topics": [
"Economy",
"Security"
]
}
Source: Getty
Other
China’s Role in Shaping the Future of Afghanistan
China's economic investment in Afghanistan provides an opportunity for Afghan development that could help stabilize the country—an outcome that would benefit not only Afghanistan and China, but also the United States.
By Tiffany Ng
Published on Sep 1, 2010
- China has steadily increased its economic aid and investment in Afghanistan, most notably with a $3.5 billion deal to develop the Aynak copper mine. At the same time, it plays a very limited security role and has refused any direct military involvement.
- Western commentators have eyed China’s approach to Afghanistan with suspicion and resentment, accusing China of “free-riding” and snapping up investment deals at the expense of the United States, which is paying dearly in blood and treasure.
- While the United States and China share the goal of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, fundamental differences in their basic strategies exist. China does not want to pressure Pakistan, nor does it want to align itself too closely with the United States, for fear of exacerbating the terrorist threat to itself or facilitating a long-term American presence in the region. By maintaining its distance and even-handed diplomacy, Beijing is positioning itself to work with whoever controls Kabul.
- China has the potential to make important contributions to Afghan stability. State-owned Chinese corporations are uniquely risk-tolerant and can help pave the way for future investments. The Chinese also enjoy a more positive relationship with Afghans, making their investments less likely to be targeted for attack by insurgents. These investments can stimulate economic growth that aid money alone cannot.
- U.S. policy makers should work with Afghanistan to ensure that such investment benefits the local people. Given China’s reluctance to openly cooperate with the United States in Afghanistan, Washington should help Kabul to effectively manage and maximize the positive impact of China’s involvement in Afghanistan through better aid coordination, transparency, and training.
About the Author
Tiffany Ng
Former Junior Fellow, Asia Program
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie China
- Trump and Xi Are Angling for Three Years of Stability
- China Sells Stability Amid American VolatilityCommentary
U.S. unpredictability has allowed China to capitalize on its positioning as the “responsible great power”. Paradoxically, the more China wins the perception game, the more likely expectations will rise for Beijing to deliver not just words but to demonstrate with its deeds.
Chong Ja Ian
- Why Vietnam Is Swinging in China’s DirectionCommentary
Hanoi and Beijing have long treated each other as distant cousins rather than comrades in arms. That might be changing as both sides draw closer to hedge against uncertainty and America’s erratic behavior.
Nguyễn Khắc Giang
- China’s Energy Security Doesn’t Run Through Hormuz but Through the Electrification of EverythingCommentary
Across Asia, China is better positioned to withstand energy shocks from the fallout of the Iran war. Its abundant coal capacity can ensure stability in the near term. Yet at the same time, the country’s energy transition away from coal will make it even less vulnerable during the next shock.
Damien Ma
- The Xi Doctrine Zeros in on “High-Quality Development” for China’s Economic FutureCommentary
In the latest Five-Year Plan, the Chinese president cements the shift to an innovation-driven economy over a consumption-driven one.
Damien Ma
