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The Other Power: Security and Diplomacy in Sino-Afghanistan Relations

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The Regional Dimensions to Security

Part of the book series: New Security Challenges ((NSECH))

Abstract

Since the arrival of American led-coalition forces in Afghanistan in late 2001 for what would be an extended military operation, China has been forced to reexamine its policies toward Kabul on several different fronts. Aside from ensuring that extremist groups from Afghanistan did not threaten security in China’s sensitive far-western frontier, the changing status of Afghanistan also presented possibilities for greater bilateral diplomatic and economic engagement between Beijing and Kabul. Moreover, Afghanistan’s evolving politics over the past decade has also influenced much of China’s foreign policy in both Central and South Asia. Beijing has responded to these myriad challenges by adopting a multifaceted approach to Afghanistan and to the regions surrounding the country.

One who gives no thought to far-flung problems soon finds suffering nearby.

— Confucius, the Analects

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Notes

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© 2013 Marc Lanteigne

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Lanteigne, M. (2013). The Other Power: Security and Diplomacy in Sino-Afghanistan Relations. In: Snetkov, A., Aris, S. (eds) The Regional Dimensions to Security. New Security Challenges. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137330055_7

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