China, Russia increasing influence in Afghanistan: Kamran Khan
Kamran Khan referred to a report published by Financial Times.
KARACHI (Daily Dunya) - Senior anchorperson and analyst Kamran Khan stated that China and Russia are gradually increasing their influence in Afghanistan aimed at quelling terrorism emancipating from war-ravaged country.
Khan was referring to a report published by British newspaper Financial Times which claimed that Chinese soldiers were spotted patrolling bordering areas of Afghanistan whereas Beijing has confirmed ‘joint counter-terrorism operation’ with Afghanistan.
Khan said Beijing views terrorism in Afghanistan a threat for its sovereignty and is taking these steps for security of Chinese companies which hold key mining and hydrocarbons concessions across Afghanistan.
Kabul-based think tank ‘Analysis and Awareness’, in a report, narrates that resurgent Russian is enhancing its cooperation with Ghani’s regime in various fields whereas Moscow has also aligned with Afghan Taliban as both shares mutual concerns against ISIS.
Earlier, top U.S. commander in Afghanistan Gen John Nicholson, while briefing Senate Armed Services Committee, accused Russia of undermining US and NATO missions in Afghanistan. Gen Nicholson expressed grave concerns over new great game in heart of Asia.
Kamran Khan said Moscow had hosted extraordinary tri-nation session on Afghanistan’s situation, in which other two stakeholders were Pakistan and China. Likewise, Moscow once again hosted a similar meeting two weeks ago but this time a couple of more countries were also added.
Khan said Moscow is pushing Pentagon toward isolation in new great game as US has not been invited in both sittings.
“It seemed that Russia and China have crafted a mutual strategic policy on Afghanistan and they are categorically taking steps in line with this policy. Pakistan is not only facilitating new developments in region but is also acting as buttress”, articulated Khan.
Sami Yousafzai, expert on Afghan affairs, said China is very cautious about its role in anti-terror campaign and Islamic movements across globe have rarely issued statements against Beijing.
Yousafzai said China’s only concern is militants linked to East Turkistan movement. Yousafzai analyzes patrolling of Chinese soldiers as a move to curb cross-border infiltration of terrorists.
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