Afghanistan: China ‘Ready’ To Recognize Taliban If Kabul Falls and Afghan Government Ousted

The realities on the ground in Afghanistan have prompted leaders in the Chinese Communist Party to formalize their relationship with the insurgent network. China is prepared to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan if it succeeds in toppling the Western-backed government in Kabul, a prospect that undercuts the Biden administration’s remaining source of leverage over the insurgent network as it continues its startling campaign to regain control. Late last month the world beheld the unusual footage of Taliban commanders being warmly received by China’s foreign minister Wang Yi in the Chinese city of Tianjin. That trip included the…