As Afghanistan’s largest and most powerful neighbor, China could step in to fill the power vacuum left by the United States. China’s military power and reach is far superior, but Afghanistan could pose a tricky preoccupation. AdvertisementChina is now pressuring the Taliban to withhold support from Uyghur militants, some of whom were trained in Afghanistan in the past. The Taliban’s victory has inspired extremist groups in the region, whose activities have already disturbed China’s economic activities. AdvertisementChina also cannot fully trust Taliban promises, Yau said, because the group does not have full control over the grassroots realities in Afghanistan.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 18, 2021 16:07 UTC