China Will Start Training Afghan Troops On Chinese Soil To Fight The Taliban

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 28, 2014. POOL New/REUTERS

Reuters: Afghan troops to train in China, ambassador says

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will train Afghan troops on Chinese soil, Afghanistan’s ambassador to Beijing said, describing the military cooperation as an effort to fight al Qaeda and Islamic State militants bent on attacking China from its western neighbor.

Afghanistan has also requested that China provide Afghan security forces with combat helicopters, Ambassador Janan Mosazai told Reuters in an interview.

Beijing last month dismissed reports that Chinese troops would be stationed in its war-torn neighbor, after it agreed to help Afghanistan set up a “mountain brigade” in the rugged Wakhan Corridor linking the two countries.

“But yes, there will be some training required, obviously, and that will take place in China,” Mosazai said in the interview on Tuesday.

The Chinese military had promised to supply two fixed-wing transport aircraft for medical evacuation purposes, he added, and crews for the planes were already training in China.

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Update: Is Beijing deploying PLA troops in Afghanistan? (Joseph Hope, Asia Times)

WNU editor: Here is an easy prediction. This military alliance between Afghanistan and China will only grow with time.

China First Denied Reports That It Is Building A Military Base In Afghanistan, But Now Are Saying That They Are Helping The Afghan Government

Reuters: China denies planning military base in Afghanistan

BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Wednesday denied that it planned to build a military base in Afghanistan, after a Hong Kong newspaper said Beijing was constructing a training camp for Afghan troops to which it could also send its own soldiers.

The South China Morning Post, citing unidentified sources with ties to the Chinese military, said China was building the camp in the narrow Wakhan Corridor that links the two countries.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying dismissed the report, however.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese initially denied reports that they were building a military base, but are now saying the opposite .... China says it is helping Afghanistan with defence, counter-terrorism (Reuters). The Afghan government is saying that there will be no Chinese troops on Afghan soil .... No Chinese soldiers on ground in Beijing-assisted military camp in Afghanistan: Afghan envoy (Hindustan Times).

More News On China Building a Military Base In Afghanistan

China says no plans to deploy troops to Afghanistan -- Military Times/AP
China denies reported plans for troops at Afghan camp -- Asia Times
China denies setting up military base in Afghanistan -- Sydney Morning Herald
China denies plan to deploy troops to Afghanistan -- Washington Examiner

China Is Building A Military Training Base in Afghanistan

SCMP: China is ‘building a training camp in Afghanistan’ to fight terrorism

Beijing said to be fully funding the base in isolated Wakhan Corridor and may send hundreds of troops there

China has started building a training camp for Afghan troops in a narrow corridor that connects the two countries – a project Beijing is fully funding to help its neighbour improve counterterrorism efforts, sources close to the military said.

Once the camp is completed, the People’s Liberation Army is likely to send hundreds of military personnel – at least one battalion’s worth – to Afghanistan’s isolated Wakhan Corridor, one of the sources who is familiar with the matter told the South China Morning Post. A battalion usually has more than 500 troops.

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Update #1: China Building Military Training Base in Afghanistan - Report -- Sputnik
Update #2: With Rumored 'Training Camp,' China's Afghanistan Presence Set to Grow -- The Diplomat

WNU Editor: This is going to become more than just a "military training base". It is also China's first step to become more actively involved in Afghan affairs.

China Wants A Military Base In Afghanistan

Arab News: China offers to build military base for Afghan troops

KABUL: China has offered to pay for the construction of a military base for a brigade of troops in Afghanistan’s remote northeastern Badakhshan province to prevent militant incursions into its territory.

“This is part of the understanding we have with China, it does not mean that Chinese troops or advisers will be based there,” Gen. Dawlat Waziri, chief Defense Ministry spokesman, told Arab News.

“They have proposed to pay the expenses of a brigade, whatever the cost be, and pay for other expenses of the soldiers, and we will provide our troops with arms and logistics with that money.”

No timescale has been set for construction of the base, and negotiations are continuing.

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WNU Editor:  Afghanistan wants (and needs) allies. I am willing to bet that this is a deal that will go through.

More News On Reports That China Wants A Military Base In Afghanistan

China in talks over military base in remote Afghanistan: Officials -- Straits Times/AFP
Chinese Military Base: Is China Building a Military Base in Afghanistan -- EurAsian Times
Why is China building an army base in Afghanistan? -- News Bytes
China in talks for a military base in Afghanistan; as terror seen as major threat -- Clipper 28

China’s Defence Ministry Is Denying Reports That It Is Planning To Build A Military Base In Afghanistan

Reuters: China denies plan to build military base in Afghanistan

BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s Defence Ministry on Thursday denied that it was planning to build a military base in Afghanistan, branding such reports “groundless”.

Russian news agency Ferghana News, which focuses on Central Asia, has reported that China will build the base in northern Afghanistan. The report was picked up last week by U.S. magazine The Diplomat and then in Chinese state media.

Speaking at a regular news briefing, ministry spokesman Wu Qian said that the two countries had normal security cooperation and that China like other countries was supporting Afghanistan in defense and counter-terrorism.

“The so-called issue that China is building a military base in Afghanistan is groundless,” Wu said.

The ministry has also previously dismissed reports that Chinese military vehicles were patrolling inside Afghanistan.

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Update: China Dismisses Reports About a Military Base in Afghanistan (Al-Bawaba)

WNU Editor: What happens in Afghanistan will impact China in the future .... they after-all do share a small border.  But for now the Chinese have little desire to get involved in that quagmire.

China Is Helping To Build An Afghan Military Base In Badakhshan

ITV

The Diplomat: Why Would China Help Build an Afghan Military Base in Badakhshan?

According to regional reports, China is set to build an Afghan military outpost in Badakhshan.

In late December, China’s hosting of a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan drew headlines. “China Steps Up to Broker Peace in Afghan-Pakistan Conflict,” Bloomberg reported; “China can help bring peace to Afghanistan,” the South China Morning Post declared. Reuters highlighted China’s announcement that Afghanistan would be included into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Fewer took note of the subsequent meeting between Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Afghan Minister of Defense Tariq Shah Bahrami. Bahrami also met with the Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Xu Qilian. The Diplomat’s Ankit Panda covered the meeting, noting that it “underlined the increasingly close military-to-military ties between the two countries.”

Those military-to-military ties are set to grow even closer. On Thursday, Fergana News, a Russian news outlet covering Central Asia, reported that a new Afghan military base would be built in Badakhshan with Chinese funding.

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WNU Editor: China is "helping" Afghanistan. China is "helping" Pakistan. So there is probably some truth to this .... China mediates between Pakistan and Afghanistan (Sabena Siddiqui, Asia Times).

China Joins Pakistan And Afghanistan To Push The Taliban To Enter Into Peace Talks

Afghan FM Rabbani, Chinese FM Wang Yi and Pakistani FM Asif attend a joint news conference after the 1st China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Dialogue in Beijing Thomson Reuters

Bloomberg: China Steps Up to Broker Peace in Afghan-Pakistan Conflict

Foreign ministers met in Beijing to discuss cooperation
Beijing has adopted a more proactive foreign policy under Xi

China hosted top diplomats from Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday in a bid to mediate a long-simmering conflict between the neighboring countries.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif joined their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday to discuss possible economic and security cooperation. The first trilateral minister-level dialogue in Beijing comes as China expands its economic interests in Pakistan.

“China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, as three neighbors, will naturally try to strengthen cooperation amongst each other,” Wang was quoted as saying by state broadcaster CCTV. “This is fully in accordance with our common interests, and is a good thing for us.”

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Update: Pakistan, Afghanistan appeal to Taliban to join peace talks (ABC News/AP)

WNU Editor: There are other factors that are involved. One is economic .... China, Pakistan to look at including Afghanistan in $57 billion economic corridor (Business Insider). The other is counter-terrorism .... China, Pakistan, Afghanistan resolve to fight terrorism (Economic Times). But is this enough to bring the Taliban to the peace-table .... I doubt it.

America And China Do Not See Eye-To-Eye On What Needs To Be Done In Pakistan

South China Morning Post: What China has to fear from US drones in Trump's Afghan search

As the Trump administration gears up for a renewed campaign in Afghanistan, US military actions are spilling over the border to the Pakistani province of Balochistan – home to a centrepiece of Beijing’s Belt and Road project

China finds itself in the eye of a brewing diplomatic storm between the United States and Pakistan over Afghanistan that threatens its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road investments.

Tensions between the US and Pakistan, its major non-Nato ally, have risen in recent months since the Trump administration signalled its intention to renew its military campaign to arrest the rapid loss of Afghan territory to Taliban insurgents. The Pentagon believes the success of the initiative depends on using political pressure and punitive measures to force Islamabad into reversing its alleged policy of granting sanctuary to the Taliban and its terrorist faction, the Haqqani Network.

“The exploitation of ungoverned sanctuaries outside Afghanistan by terrorists and Afghan insurgents is the single greatest external factor that could cause failure of the coalition campaign,” said General John Nicholson, commander of US forces in Afghanistan on June 20. “Afghan-oriented militant groups retain freedom of action inside Pakistani territory and benefit from the support of elements of the Pakistani government.”

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WNU Editor: The Chinese believe that they can influence Pakistan with economic incentives and political support so that over time they will be able to temper their more militant tendencies .... including having them pull back their support of militant groups like the Taliban. What's my take .... the Chinese are waaaaayyyy to optimistic on their ability to sway Pakistan to pursue a different course. Just on the issue of nuclear weapons Pakistan is now on a program to vastly expand their nuclear arsenal ..... and I do not see how a few extra billion dollars from China and a promise that Pakistan will play an integral part in the "Silk Road" is going to change a policy that Pakistan has been pursuing for a very long time. U.S. drones in the skies over Pakistan is a concern .... but on a list of very worrisome developments .... a few U.S. drones in the skies is the least of what China should be concerned about.

Update: Yup .... this sums up why China will fail .... Pakistan can't afford China's 'friendship' (C. Christine Fair, Foreign Policy).

China's Military Is Now Conducting Joint Counter-Terror Patrols With Afghan Forces In Afghanistan

Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, U.S. Air Force

Military Times: Chinese troops appear to be operating in Afghanistan, and the Pentagon is OK with it

WASHINGTON — There is mounting evidence that Chinese ground troops are operating inside Afghanistan, conducting joint counter-terror patrols with Afghan forces along a 50-mile stretch of their shared border and fueling speculation that Beijing is preparing to play a significantly greater role in the country's security once the U.S. and NATO leave.

The full scope of China's involvement remains unclear, and the Pentagon is unwilling to discuss it. “We know that they are there, that they are present,” a Pentagon spokesman said. Yet beyond a subtle acknowledgement, U.S. military officials in Washington and in Kabul would not respond to several detailed questions submitted by Military Times.

This dynamic stands in stark contrast to the two sides' feisty rhetoric over their ongoing dispute in the South China Sea, and to Washington's vocal condemnation of Russian and Iranian activity in Afghanistan. One explanation may be that this quiet arrangement is mutually beneficial.

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WNU Editor: This is actually old news and it is not gotten the news coverage that it deserves It was reported first 2 weeks ago .... Mystery deepens over Chinese forces in Afghanistan (Financial Times). More here .... Are Chinese Forces Conducting Patrols in Afghanistan? (The Diplomat).

Will The Chinese Help Arm The Afghan Taliban?

The Hill: The Afghan Taliban: How antagonizing China can 'blow up' in Trump's face

In the complex world of international diplomacy every issue is indirectly linked, obscuring the ability to determine when actions by certain countries are specific responses to the movements of others. So when Donald Trump casually smashes four decades of diplomatic norms in less than 140 characters, it only further murks the stew.

Many assume China’s response to Trump’s unprecedented communication with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and his questioning of the “One China” policy, the bedrock that underpins US-China relations, will be confined only to the Asia Pacific region, where the issue is familiar. This may also be the case, however, given the unprecedented nature of the diplomatic regression, it would behoove the incoming administration to consider the more indirect ways China can thumb its nose at the President-elect.

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WNU Editor: If the Chinese want serious blow-back from the Americans .... arming the Afghan Taliban will certainly guarantee it. That is why I doubt that the Chinese will do it .... the repercussions (especially on trade policies) .... will significantly hurt China .... and at a time when its economy is slowing down.

China Sends Its First Batch Of Military Aid To Afghanistan

Afghanistan Times

VOA: China Delivers First Batch of Military Aid to Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD—Afghanistan has received its first batch of Chinese military equipment as part of Beijing’s commitment to provide millions of dollars of assistance to help Kabul fight terrorism.

The shipment on board a Russian cargo plane arrived Sunday in Kabul where Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing handed it over to Afghan National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar.

The cargo apparently contained among other things logistical equipment, parts of military vehicles, ammunition and weapons for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

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Update #1: Afghanistan receives military equipment from China (Khaama Press).
Update #2: China's first military aid package arrives in Afghanistan (Afghanistan Times)

WNU Editor: I will not be surprised if this becomes a regular occurrence.

Will China Become Invovled In Afghanistan?

Wall Street Journal: As U.S. Exits, China Takes On Afghanistan Role

After a Decade of Rebuffing U.S. Requests for Help in Afghanistan, China May Be Ready to Do More

In December, representatives of the U.S., China and Afghanistan met for private talks in London, the first time the three countries convened to seek ways to forge peace in Afghanistan, a senior U.S. official said.

The previously undisclosed meeting, which came within days of a visit by the Afghan Taliban to Beijing, was a step on a path long resisted by China, wary of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and reluctant to meddle in its neighbor’s affairs. The three countries met again last month at an international meeting on Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, one participant said.

WNU Editor: As the U.S. slowly departs from Afghanistan .... Afghanistan will need allies. Since its choices are limited (Iran or Pakistan) .... China must look appealing in the eyes of the Afghan government. Will this translate into monies and military assistance .... only time will tell.

China's Links To The Taliban Are Raising Questions

Credit: Alyson Hurt / NPR

Why Is China Talking To The Taliban? -- Andrew Small, Foreign Policy

Inside Beijing’s plan to set up shop in post-Karzai Kabul.

Hamid Karzai's derailment of this week's planned U.S. peace talks with the Taliban may have been a disappointment to Washington's hopes of ending its longest war -- but it disappointed Beijing, too. China welcomed the breakthrough in the Qatar process, and sees a political settlement in Afghanistan as increasingly important for its economic and security interests in the region. As a result, China's support for reconciliation between Kabul and the Taliban has become a fixture of its burgeoning diplomatic activity on Afghanistan's post-2014 future.

Over the last year, China has been expanding its direct contacts with the Taliban and sounding them out on security issues that range from separatist groups in the Chinese region of Xinjiang to the protection of Chinese resource investments, according to interviews with officials and experts in Beijing, Washington, Kabul, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

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My Comment: Former Chinese communists dealing with Islamic radicals .... this is a relationship that is not going to last.

Afghanistan: Money For China, Death And Wounded For The U.S. And NATO

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai review the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony held for Karzai in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2010. (Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

Afghanistan: Coffins for U.S. & Nato; Huge Contracts for China -- Barry Lando, Huffington Post

Some bitter ironies in Afghanistan these days: U.S. and French soldiers gunned down by the very Afghan troops they work with. America and its NATO allies facing huge budget problems themselves, persist in squandering billions in Afghanistan to defeat Islamic radicals and create a propitious climate for growth and investment. Right now, the largest investments so safe-guarded are Chinese.

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My Comment: You have to give credit to the Chinese, they have positioned themselves to be a major player in Afghanistan long after the last U.S. soldiers have left. Earlier today I posted on the lack of a grand strategy from the White House .... we can see in Afghanistan how this lack of vision is hurting us, while for China their grand strategy is visible for everyone to see.

China Scrambles To 'Lock In' Afghanistan`s Resources

Indian and Chinese bidders have been front-runners for deals to develop Afghanistan's vast mineral deposits, which are valued at US$3-trillion. Stringer/Reuters

China Begins Scramble For Afghanistan's Oil Reserves -- The Telegraph

China began the scramble for Afghanistan's untapped oil reserves by announcing an exploration contract with Kabul – the first such international agreement in decades.

State-owned China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) was given approval by the Afghan government to sign the joint-venture deal with diversified Afghan company, the Watan Group.

The Chinese will lead the exploration for oil in three fields in the Kashkari, Bazarkhami and Zamarudsay basins, located in the northern provinces of Sar-e Pul and Faryab, which are estimated to hold around 87 million barrels.

Compared globally, the oilfields are comparatively small but are significantly profitable for Kabul.

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Update #1: Afghanistan, China to sign first oil contract -- Yahoo News/AP
Update #2: Afghanistan cabinet OKs oil deal with China's CNPC -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Update #3: China wins first rights to drill for Afghan oil -- The National

My Comment: To me .... this sounds all wrong. But then again .... I guess China feels comfortable with the idea that the Taliban would not mind a Chinese presence in their country whose sole purpose would be to take resources that the Karzai government had agreed to sell to them.