China’s New Engagement with Afghanistan after the Withdrawal

China’s historical relationship with Afghanistan is marked by three periods: estrangement during the Cold War (1955–1990), rising concern Uighur terrorism emanating from (1991–2000), and evolving activism in Afghan affairs following US invasion (2001–2020). Since withdrawal of forces August 2021, Beijing has formed a new, five-pronged engagement policy toward Afghanistan: pragmatically cautiously accepting Taliban’s dominance affairs, preventing reemergence as safe haven for terrorists, facilitating an inclusive politics country, demonstrating greater degree humanitarian concern, shaming West forfeiting their responsibility. Shaping this new are four factors that have affected will continue to affect Chinese future: security stability Xinjiang western border region, Afghanistan’s place overarching international strategy, great power involving United States, economic value Afghanistan.