China Tense Over Influx of Afghan Terrorists via Neighboring Countries... Contemplating Blockade Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] China is on alert over the influx of terrorists through neighboring countries bordering northern Afghanistan.

The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 22nd that China is strengthening the border between Xinjiang Uygur region and Afghanistan immediately after the Islamic militant group Taliban took control of Afghanistan, but is also concerned that terrorists could enter the country through three northern Afghan border countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

In this situation, China has been conducting anti-terrorism training in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, since the 18th. Earlier, the Chinese state-run Global Times reported on the training, stating, "The changing situation in Afghanistan is causing anxiety and concerns about terrorism among neighboring countries."

China is worried about the possibility that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), an independence movement of the Xinjiang Uygur ethnic group, could expand its influence backed by the Sunni Taliban.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed support for the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan but emphasized the need for the Taliban to firmly crack down on various terrorist organizations, including ETIM, urging a break from terrorist groups.

SCMP cited experts saying that as extreme chaos unfolds in Afghanistan with people fleeing the Taliban, China is expected to strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan and other neighboring Central Asian countries.

Lu Xiang (陸翔), a U.S. expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that although China has deployed troops within 100 km of the border with Afghanistan to prevent the influx of terrorists, there may be many other "loopholes" for entry into China.

He said, "Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan could be weak links," adding, "Russia can exert influence over these countries, and China can also cooperate with Pakistan and Iran."

He further explained, "While some individual cases of infiltration may occur, large-scale influx is unlikely. Overall, all countries bordering Afghanistan share the consensus that they do not want Afghanistan to become a hotbed of terrorism."

Li Wei (李偉), a security expert in Beijing, said that although China has not deployed troops to Central Asian countries, the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security cooperation body of former Soviet states, is expected to effectively respond to regional security threats.

He said, "China is concerned about the security of border areas of Afghanistan's neighboring countries, especially Tajikistan, which has a wide border area and may face greater threats than other countries," but added, "However, the Russian troops stationed locally can alleviate security concerns."

He also added that information exchange and military training among Afghanistan's neighboring countries are expected to increase in the future.

Earlier, Russia pledged, using its troops stationed in Tajikistan, that it would not tolerate any offensive against CSTO allies.

Russia also conducted military exercises this summer with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Raphaelle Pantuchy, a researcher at the Rajaratnam International Studies Institute (RSIS) in Singapore, explained, "China has strengthened border security with Afghanistan and also provided support to border guards on the Pakistan and Tajikistan sides. This essentially serves as a security buffer between China and the Afghanistan issue."

However, he pointed out that while China is expected to strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan in the future, "it is unclear what China can actually offer, especially compared to Russia, as it lacks much experience in mountain warfare or counter-terrorism operations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.