But Beijing is also treading a careful line in navigating an increasingly uncertain security situation in one of its most volatile neighbours. On 28 July, China invited a high-level Taliban delegation to a meeting with the foreign minister, Wang Yi. In fact, Beijing has had experience in dealing with the Afghan Taliban without recognising it formally in the past. “[The] Taliban may want China to be their economic lifeline, and the US knows it. “This would mean that China will adopt a wait-and-see approach when it comes to economic assistance through investments for the time being.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2021 03:56 UTC