Regional consensus and cooperation are indispensable to peace in Afghanistan, without which no efforts can bring an enduring stability and peace to the country. The continuation of violence, instability and war in Afghanistan affects the region more than any part of the world. Sustained conflict not only expands violence but also makes it difficult to utilize the existing opportunities of economic development and prosperity in the region. The regional states, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbors- apart from Pakistan and Iran- are therefore more expected to contribute to Afghan peace, since stability in Afghanistan serves their interests more than fueling the war.
China is one of the nations that can be most affected if Afghan conflict drags on. There is the fear that violence in Afghanistan may spill over into China, but a greater concern is the security barriers to China’s mega economic and infrastructure projects in the region. Continued war in Afghanistan poses a threat not only to China’s security, but also its economic interests in the entire Central and Southern Asia, because violence will not remain within Afghan borders forever.
China has close relations with Pakistan, a country that is viewed as a terror safe haven in the region. Islamabad has often used its closeness with Beijing as a means to relieve itself of international pressure. In times of pressure from the West, Islamabad turns to Beijing for help to balance the equation. China can significantly contribute to Afghan peace if it truly uses its leverage over Pakistan. Beijing can convince Islamabad that violence in Afghanistan threatens its interests, and that it can directly affect their bilateral relations. Besides Afghanistan, terrorist activities in the region can create challenges for the implementation of China’s multibillion dollar economic projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan.
Since Chinese interests are protected in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, Beijing is expected to do more in the Afghan reconciliation process. Accordingly, Afghan government should pay special attention to expansion of Afghan-Sino relations so that Beijing can stop Pakistan from supporting militants and fueling instability in Afghanistan.