Italian media: Chinese citizens attacked in Kabul, Beijing strengthens economic presence to support Afghanistan's development
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the attack in the Shaher Naw district, which resulted in 7 deaths. This attack has once again raised concerns about the safety of investments in Afghanistan. Beijing continues to maintain diplomatic and economic presence, while internal divisions within the Taliban leadership have made the political and security situation in Afghanistan more complex.
Kabul (Asia News/Press) – Beijing confirmed this morning that one Chinese citizen died and five others were injured in the attack that occurred in Kabul yesterday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated at a press conference that people should avoid traveling to Afghanistan and called on citizens to leave "high-risk areas" as soon as possible.
The attack took place in the commercial district of Kabul, Shaher Naw. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stated that its clinic received 20 injured individuals. The Taliban authorities said the final death toll was 7, with 13 injured.
The attack was claimed by the "Islamic State Khorasan Province" (ISKP), targeting a Chinese noodle restaurant owned by a couple of Uighur Muslims from Xinjiang.
Since regaining control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban has tried to downplay the threat posed by the "Islamic State." The Islamic State considers the Taliban's ideology too moderate and has continued to attack Taliban members as well as foreigners doing business in Afghanistan.
The suicide bombing yesterday is the third time ISKP has claimed an attack against Chinese citizens in the past five years. In November 2022, the terrorist group attacked a hotel in the same area of Kabul; a year ago, in January, the group killed a Chinese worker in Takhar province, Afghanistan.
"Islamic State Khorasan Province" (ISKP) has long been producing anti-China propaganda materials. Analyst Lucas Weber explained that this attack indicates "Afghanistan has become a frontline for jihad targeting specific countries."
After the Taliban regained power, Beijing (alongside Moscow) retained its embassy in Afghanistan.
Since then, despite some observers believing that China has taken a more cautious approach, China has continued to invest in Afghanistan, especially in the mining of gold and other minerals such as lithium, copper, and iron.
Between 2021 and 2024, China's exports to Afghanistan more than doubled, while imports declined, leading to a trade deficit. This prompted the Taliban to establish a special committee in March 2025 to address the situation. Other projects, such as the Mes Aynak copper mine, have not yet started or been fully operational, but despite these delays spanning several years, Beijing has not given up.
Internal divisions within the Taliban leadership have further complicated the situation. The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Hibatullah Akhundzada, envisions a country isolated from the modern world, where religious figures control all aspects of society. Meanwhile, Taliban members closely associated with the Haqqani network hope for Afghanistan's integration into the outside world, strengthening the national economy, and even allowing girls to receive education - one of many rights deprived since 2021.
These internal conflicts have intensified the low-intensity war with the "Khorasan Islamic State," but have not prevented China from advancing its rare earth mining projects, albeit very slowly.
Last August, Beijing clearly expressed its desire for Afghanistan to join the Belt and Road Initiative. At that time, Beijing announced it would continue to support the Taliban government in achieving long-term peace and stability.
Source: Asia News
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855129449894922/
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