Taliban Denies Safety Concerns for Chinese Nationals in Afghanistan

Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban’s interim government in Afghanistan, has dismissed a report by Foreign Policy claiming that Kabul is unable to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, describing the assertions as exaggerated and far from reality. He emphasized that recent border incidents were due to the activities of smugglers, and that stringent security measures are now in place to protect economic projects and Chinese workers.

Rejection of Security Capability Claims

Mujahid, responding directly to the recent report from the American magazine Foreign Policy, stated that the Afghan administration maintains complete control over all aspects of the country’s security. He refuted the magazine’s claims regarding the inability of security forces to protect Chinese workers, adding that intelligence and military agencies prioritize the safety of foreign investors. Mujahid underscored that the language used in the report is exaggerated and politically motivated.

Smuggling as the Root Cause of Border Tensions

In detailing the incidents that occurred in border areas, the government spokesman noted that some past events were not due to targeted terrorist attacks, but rather the activities of smuggling networks. Mujahid explained that reports claiming otherwise are inaccurate; some incidents stemmed from disputes between smugglers in border regions, occasionally leading to tensions. He also assured that while attempted attacks may have occurred, security forces have successfully prevented the recurrence of such incidents and ensured the physical safety of workers.

The Foreign Policy Report and Claims of Dangerous Regions

Foreign Policy had previously published a report quoting an American researcher who alleged that the Taliban lack the capacity to safeguard Chinese workers from local threats. This report described areas along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, where Chinese companies are engaged in gold extraction projects, as hazardous for Chinese nationals. According to the magazine’s claims, there have been seven security incidents against Chinese residents since November 2024, resulting in nine deaths and over ten injuries. China urges Taliban to enhance border security following these alarming incidents.

Strengthening Military Presence in Mining Areas

In response to these concerns, Mujahid announced the deployment of additional forces to mining regions and sites where Chinese workers are stationed. He assured that the interim government will not allow any unidentified armed group to jeopardize economic activities and strategic agreements between Kabul and Beijing. This media confrontation appears to be part of a larger competition between Washington and Beijing over Afghanistan’s underground resources, in which the security of Chinese workers is used as a tool for diplomatic pressure. Taliban’s intelligence chief warns of strong defense against imposed warfare, highlighting their commitment to security.