Stabilizing Afghanistan a major diplomatic challenge

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and top Chinese security official, made a brief visit to Afghanistan Saturday. This marked the first trip made by a senior Chinese leader to the country since 1966. It is no surprise that there is heated analysis over this latest trip among foreign observers. Many are speculating about the long-term ambitions of Beijing, believing that the emerging power is seeking a larger role in post-NATO Afghanistan and is looking for greater influence in Kabul as the US and NATO are scheduled to withdraw their troops by 2014. The anxiety around China's role in this region is growing increasingly apparent as the 2014 deadline approaches. On the one hand, the US and its allies call for China to play a bigger role and help the US-led NATO to keep regional security. On the other hand, they worry that their influence might be replaced due to China's growing presence in this region. Within China, there is also heated debate over the role that China should play in this neighboring war-torn country. But it is generally agreed that the deterioration of the Afghan domestic situation will benefit nobody; for China, the stability of its northwestern bordering regions will be directly influenced and overseas Chinese in the region will face greater security problems. Historically, Afghanistan has been a nightmare for many big powers. As a neighbor of Afghanistan, China has a keen interest in the security of this region. How to help Afghanistan walk out of the shadow of long-term wartime chaos poses a big challenge to China's diplomacy. During this latest trip to Kabul by Zhou Yongkang, China and Afghanistan signed economic and security deals that aim to help peace-building and reconstruction in Afghanistan and protect the security of China's own projects in the country. China has a good opportunity to boost its global image and fulfill its international responsibilities. While many Western strategists stick to their mentality of dominating world politics, China is making pragmatic moves to safeguard the interests of not only itself, but also the whole region.