Afghanistan-China Relationship Entered a new Phase

friend in need is worth thousands. President Hamid Karzai is paying an important four day visit to China, an emerging economic power of the world, to discuss a range of issues, including enhanced political, military, economic and cultural relations.

The relationship between Afghanistan and China passed through historic ups and downs in the past, formerly it has irreversibly improved. Throughout history, the relations between Afghanistan and China mostly involved trade of fruit and tea via caravans through Xinjiang and the Wakhan Corridor on the border between the two countries.

Karzai, heading a high-level delegation comprising of National Security Advisor Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Minister of Mines and Petroleum Wahidullah Shahrani, President Advisor in International Affairs Yahya Marufi, Abdul Karim Khuram, chief of staff of the president's office, and the chief presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi, were received by the Shaanxi deputy governor and Afghan Ambassador to China Mohammad Kabir Farahi at the airport, according to Presidential Palace’s statement.

During the visit, both sides will sign two memoranda of understanding on financial assistance to Afghanistan, extradition of prisoners and cooperation between Kabul and the Xi'an University of China.

Karzai would meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other host leaders during his second trip to China in as many years.

With exception to being emerging economy, China is great military power, too. Government records 70 Afghan military officials are under training in China and up to 45 police officers being trained on fighting drugs and riots. It is said that the number of officers would reach 250 by 2015.

Afghanistan may seek China’s aid in technical and human development sections. Since 2010, China has increased its economic aid and investment in Afghanistan, notably with announcement by Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) pledging $3.5 billion to develop Aynak Copper mines. China has the potential to make important contributions to Afghan stability.

President Karzai should urge Beijing to help train and equip Afghan security forces, invest in the war-torn country, step up the development of the Ainak Copper Project in Logar province and discuss China's interest in exploring fuel and gas at the Amu River base.

State-owned Chinese corporations are uniquely risk-tolerant and can help pave the way for future investments. The Chinese also enjoy a more positive relationship with Afghans, making their investments less likely to be targeted for attack by insurgents. These investments can stimulate economic growth which aid money alone cannot do.

China is an industrial state and owns large number of trained and skilled human potential that can be taken advantage of. China has ever put forth her cordial support to people of Afghanistan which manifest its selfless cooperation to Afghan government. It is high time Karzai must talk for enhancement of trade with Repulic of China than seeking for aid.

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