China’s Economic Diplomacy in Afghanistan Strategic Drivers and Foreign Policy Implications

This study focuses on the strategic factors of China’s economic diplomacy and the consequences of its foreign policy for Afghanistan. This study assesses China’s economic strategy and analyzes how China is taking advantage of Afghanistan’s natural resources, security situation, and geopolitical location. The study is a qualitative study, using the case study analysis method. Secondary data from books, academic articles, and reports were used to reach the research. Descriptive-interpretive and discourse analysis methods were used for the analysis. China is interested in expanding economic interactions due to Afghanistan’s geopolitical location and the value of its natural resources. China’s economic policy focuses on gradual investment, infrastructure development, and mineral extraction. Security risks, international competition, and internal political instability in Afghanistan pose serious challenges to China’s economic diplomacy. China has chosen to engage cautiously with the Taliban government to create favorable conditions for achieving its strategic goals. China’s economic diplomacy can create significant opportunities for Afghanistan’s economic growth, but its progress has been limited by security and political instability. The findings of this study show that China has adopted a balanced policy between economic development and security interests, but competition between international powers and the internal situation in Afghanistan have complicated its interaction. China should assess the security environment to increase investor confidence and expand cooperation with regional partners. To manage international competition, China should strengthen its diplomatic relations to pave the way for Afghanistan’s economic growth. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of China's "One Belt, One Road" (BRI) project.