China wants to produce oil with the Taliban
The Taliban, who rule Afghanistan, want to produce oil with Chinese help. Representatives of both sides signed a corresponding agreement in the capital Kabul. Accordingly, oil deposits are to be exploited in three northern provinces in the Amu Darya Basin. It is the first contract of this kind that the Islamists have signed with a foreign company since they took power in the summer of 2021.
A term of 25 years is planned, as a spokesman for the Taliban announced. The Chinese company CAPEIC wants to invest several hundred million dollars. The government will initially be involved with 20 percent; this proportion could rise to 75 percent. China's Ambassador Wang Yu spoke of an important project for both countries. It is planned that this will create around 3,000 new jobs.
Treasures at the theater of war
Like many other countries around the world, the People's Republic has not officially recognized the Taliban government. Regardless of the security situation, the region plays an important role in China's plans for a "new Silk Road" that is to be used to build and expand infrastructure and trade links with dozens of countries.
Afghanistan is rich in natural resources that have remained unexploited due to war and terror over the past four decades. The total value of the mineral resources is estimated at one trillion dollars (about 940 billion euros). In addition to oil, gas and coal, lithium, beryllium, precious stones, rare earths, copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, lead and zinc have also been found. So far, roads, rails and a stable power grid have been missing to profitably exploit the deposits in the rugged landscape.
Like many other countries around the world, the People's Republic has not officially recognized the Taliban government. Regardless of the security situation, the region plays an important role in China's plans for a "new Silk Road" that is to be used to build and expand infrastructure and trade links with dozens of countries.
Afghanistan is rich in natural resources that have remained unexploited due to war and terror over the past four decades. The total value of the mineral resources is estimated at one trillion dollars (about 940 billion euros). In addition to oil, gas and coal, lithium, beryllium, precious stones, rare earths, copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, lead and zinc have also been found. So far, roads, rails and a stable power grid have been missing to profitably exploit the deposits in the rugged landscape.
Ex-terrorists promise security
The Taliban, who had carried out bloody attacks themselves for decades, promised to ensure more security after they formed a government. But there are always attacks. The terrorist organization "Islamic State", which rivals the Taliban, is often behind this. An attack on a hotel where Chinese business people also stayed recently shook confidence.
For years, China has been pursuing a global, long-term strategy of give and take: the People's Republic is granting aid supplies and large loans to numerous economically weak countries. Chinese companies are increasingly gaining control of valuable natural resources, which are necessary for the production of computers and mobile phones, but also of important infrastructure such as ports. Experts warn of growing political dependence of the affected states on the leadership in Beijing.
The Taliban, who had carried out bloody attacks themselves for decades, promised to ensure more security after they formed a government. But there are always attacks. The terrorist organization "Islamic State", which rivals the Taliban, is often behind this. An attack on a hotel where Chinese business people also stayed recently shook confidence.
For years, China has been pursuing a global, long-term strategy of give and take: the People's Republic is granting aid supplies and large loans to numerous economically weak countries. Chinese companies are increasingly gaining control of valuable natural resources, which are necessary for the production of computers and mobile phones, but also of important infrastructure such as ports. Experts warn of growing political dependence of the affected states on the leadership in Beijing.
Source: Deutsche Welle
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