Afghan Envoy Urges China to Open Trade to Ease Crisis

“In economic terms, it has not done as much as it could have contributed to the country, in trade, investment or aid,” Pantucci said. “The likely hesitation at China’s end comes from concerns that, in making bigger plays, Beijing will end up being seen as the sponsor and lead champion of the new Taliban regime, something that may bring with it a series of complicated responsibilities on the international stage that China wants to avoid.”