China’s Strategic Depth below Ground in Afghanistan but Ignores Local Development

China isn’t interested in the people of Afghanistan

China’s interest in Afghanistan is primarily resource-driven, focusing on the economic potential of Afghanistan's vast mineral wealth rather than the well-being of the Afghan people. China's investments and diplomatic efforts are largely centered on securing access to Afghanistan's copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are essential for its manufacturing and green energy sectors. The potential value of these resources is enormous, and tapping into them would support China’s ambitions for technological advancement and energy security

While China has engaged diplomatically with the Taliban regime, its approach has been transactional. Beijing has consistently emphasized stability and security over social or humanitarian development in Afghanistan. The stability of Afghanistan is important to China primarily to prevent any spillover of unrest into its own borders, especially in Xinjiang, and to secure safe conditions for Chinese companies operating in Afghanistan. However, there is minimal evidence that China is interested in advancing infrastructure, healthcare, education, or civil rights in the country.

This approach contrasts sharply with other international investments that incorporate social welfare components or support local development. In Afghanistan’s case, China’s focus on resource extraction without broader commitments to Afghan society or sustainable development underscores a relationship that prioritizes economic benefits over social or humanitarian progress.

Cultural mismatch between Afghanistan & China

The cultural differences between China and Afghanistan are profound, shaped by historical, religious, and ideological distinctions that create a challenging environment for close bilateral relations.

1.????? Religious Differences: Afghanistan is predominantly Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in Afghan identity, law, and daily life. Conversely, China is a secular state with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prioritizing state control over religious expression. China's policies in Xinjiang, where it has cracked down on Muslim Uyghurs through surveillance and "re-education" camps, have generated mistrust and criticism among Afghans and other Muslim communities worldwide

2.????? Political Systems and Ideologies: China’s centralized, authoritarian system under the CCP contrasts sharply with Afghanistan's fragmented and tribal societal structure. Although the Taliban now holds power, Afghanistan's governance has traditionally relied on local tribal and religious leaders. The Taliban’s governance, while authoritarian, is also rooted in an Islamic legal framework that conflicts ideologically with China's secular and Marxist-Leninist political stance

3.????? Language and Communication: Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken in China, while Afghanistan has multiple official languages, including Dari and Pashto. Language differences contribute to a communication barrier that often requires heavy reliance on translators, which can hinder trust and effective partnership development

4.????? Views on Human Rights and Freedom: China’s prioritization of state control over individual freedoms and its policies in regions like Xinjiang often clash with Afghan values of autonomy, local governance, and religious freedom. Many Afghans view China's actions toward Uyghur Muslims as oppressive, which feeds into a perception of cultural and ideological incompatibility

5.????? Economic Motivations vs. Cultural Sensitivities: China’s interest in Afghanistan is seen largely as economic, focusing on resource extraction rather than cultural or social engagement. This resource-driven focus can be viewed as exploitative by Afghans, who may feel that China is less interested in the well-being or cultural preservation of Afghanistan and more focused on gaining access to minerals

These cultural mismatches make it difficult for China and Afghanistan to establish trust and long-term cooperation beyond economic transactions, particularly given the deep-rooted values and beliefs that shape Afghan society and its perception of foreign partners.

China has interest only in Afghanistan Mineral resources.

What are Afghanistan's Mineral Reserves?

Afghanistan is believed to have one of the world's richest untapped mineral reserves, with estimates suggesting resources worth between $1 trillion and $3 trillion. These resources include:

1.????? Copper: Afghanistan hosts significant copper reserves, notably at the Mes Aynak site, which is one of the largest known copper deposits globally, estimated to contain 450 million metric tons of copper

2.????? Iron Ore: Iron deposits are abundant in Afghanistan, with estimates suggesting reserves in the Haji Gak region alone totaling around 2 billion tons. This iron ore is high-grade, making it particularly valuable for steel production

3.????? Rare Earth Elements: Afghanistan holds around 1.4 million metric tons of rare earth elements, critical for electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military applications. These elements are highly sought after due to their use in products like smartphones, wind turbines, and electric vehicle motors

4.????? Lithium: Afghanistan is believed to have large lithium deposits, often called "the Saudi Arabia of lithium." This mineral is essential for batteries in electric vehicles and portable electronics, making it valuable as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources

5.????? Gold and Precious Stones: Afghanistan also has reserves of gold and gemstones, including lapis lazuli, rubies, and emeralds, which have historically been mined but not at an industrial scale.

6.????? Other Minerals: The country is also rich in minerals like cobalt, bauxite, and potash, which are used in various industries, from agriculture to advanced technology.

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The potential of these mineral resources has drawn interest from countries like China, which sees an opportunity to secure resources needed for its own technological and green-energy ambitions

However, challenges related to security, infrastructure, and governance have largely prevented Afghanistan from fully capitalizing on this wealth.