Rethinking China's Role In The Peace Building Process Of Afghanistan

Changing leadership in both Afghanistan and China has opened a new chapter in Sino-Afghan relationship.Since the time President Xi Jinping came into the power and observing the US,and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan,the country(China)changed her diplomacy from low profile to proactive diplomacy towards Afghanistan.The new dynamics and active foreign policy of China towards her neighbouring states especially to Afghanistan created hope for peace talks between Afghan government and Taliban.Neutrality of China in Afghanistan and its influence in the region especially over Pakistan are creating more favourable conditions to bring Taliban to the negotiating table.Notably,China officially supports the policy of Afghan-led,Afghan-owned peace process and considers Afghan government as the real stakeholder.Furthermore,peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the mutual interests of both China and Afghanistan,and it is creating a win-win situation for both states.Since the new leadership,both countries have exchanged high-level delegate visits,and China increased her aid and support towards Afghanistan.Moreover,after the launch of Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)geopolitical location of Afghanistan is once again playing a pivotal role and can be the transit hub in the future.Besides,China has also invested in different projects in Afghanistan but facing some issues most notably security issues.This study mainly answers that what are the main obstacles that hinder China to play a bigger role in the peace building process of Afghanistan?However,it also covers that what are the reasons behind this phenomenon and how to improve it?What are the core interests that push China to take part in the peace building process of Afghanistan?To critically analyze the issue Geo-political theory has been used while writing the thesis.Moreover,this paper has come up with some practical policy recommendations that can be useful in bringing Taliban to the Peace Talks.This thesis will be beneficial for relevant field students,most importantly for policymakers of both China and Afghanistan in regarding peace talks with Taliban and for Afghan High Peace Council.