Taliban's Inclusion in Belt and Road Forum Strengthens China's Ties

The Taliban will attend China's Belt and Road Forum, marking a significant step in their growing official ties with Beijing. Despite lacking formal recognition from any government, the Taliban's participation in the high-profile multilateral summit highlights China's increasing engagement with the Afghan administration. The Taliban's acting minister for commerce and industry will travel to Beijing to invite large investors to Afghanistan, which is rich in untapped mineral resources. Discussions will also focus on plans to build a road through the Wakhan corridor to provide direct access to China. China has been in talks with the Taliban over a potential copper mine project and has appointed an ambassador to Kabul, further solidifying their relationship.