China in Afghanistan

-- Strategy and Challenges

The Aynak Copper Mine

Archaeological excavation near a Chinese mining camp in Aynak. (Photo from National Interest)

Whats happening there?

!! In

2007, China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) and Jiangxi Copper Company (JCCL) signed a $3 billion contract with the Afghan government to develop the Aynak copper mine. !! In 2008, MCC took control of the copper resource site. !! in 2011, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) secured the rights to three oil blocks in northern Afghanistan.

A Railway Construction Site in Maidan Shar, Afghanistan Foreign Policy

Why is Afghanistan important to China?

!! Chinas

increasing need for energy and natural resources. !! Concern that any major major that arises in Afghanistan may trigger disturbance in Western Xinjiang region.

Problems and uncertainty

!! In

August 2013, the Chinese firms asked for amendments to the Aynak copper contract. !! Priceless Buddhist temples on top of the copper mine. !! "We're just useful idiots for the MCC (Metallurgical Group Corporation)," a French archaeologist working on the project said. China's Strategy in Afghanistan by The Atlantic !! Security concern post-US withdrawal -- 19 attacks in Aynak last year.

An Afghan man rides his bike past a China Merchandise Trade Center in Kabul, Afghanistan.(Musadeq Sadeq/AP)

Chinas Diplomatic Ties with Afghanistan

!! In

April 2013, China re-opened its Confucius Institute in Kabul. !! A whole cohort of teachers sent to rebuild the institute. !! Growing staffing of the Chinese embassy in Afghanistan.

Afghanistans Response to
!! Game

changer?

!! Colonization?