China Expands Diplomatic Influence Using Afghanistan as a Stepping Stone

After China-led Meeting of Afghanistan's Neighboring Countries, US Humanitarian Pressure
Security Agreement Signed with Solomon Islands... 'Coordinates' for US Ally Australia

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China is putting humanitarian pressure on the United States by emphasizing economic support for Afghanistan (Afgan). It is analyzed that China is employing a diplomatic tactic to expand its influence in the international community by using Afghanistan as a stepping stone.

Also, China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands containing military strategy, targeting Australia, a U.S. ally.

The Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, People's Daily, reported on the 1st that on the 31st of last month, the '3rd Meeting of Afghanistan Neighboring Countries' was held in Tunxi, Anhui Province, attended by high-level diplomatic representatives from seven countries including China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia.

After the China-led Afghanistan Neighboring Countries meeting, the participating countries issued a joint statement supporting "Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, respect for ethnic groups, and autonomous future decisions."

Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, said, "The country primarily responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan should fulfill its commitments to Afghanistan's economic reconstruction and development," urging the U.S. to lift economic sanctions on Afghanistan, including unfreezing Afghan overseas assets.

While China pressured the U.S. diplomatically by holding the Afghanistan Neighboring Countries meeting, it abruptly signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that carries military significance. The Solomon Islands is an island nation located about 2,000 km northeast of Australia.

The draft security agreement reportedly includes provisions allowing Chinese warships to be dispatched to the Solomon Islands as needed and to receive logistical support locally. It is also said to include clauses permitting the deployment of troops to protect major projects involving China.

Just as Taiwan is called an unsinkable aircraft carrier, this is interpreted as China's military intention to make the Solomon Islands its unsinkable aircraft carrier.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed strong determination regarding the finalization of the security agreement, stating, "This security agreement complies with international law and international practices and does not allow external interference."