American researcher Scott Worden has warned that China is expanding its strategic influence in Afghanistan and the region, through the targeted exploitation of natural resources and the political vacuum after the withdrawal of Western forces.
In his recent statements, the regional expert said that China’s “One Road, One Belt” project, along with large infrastructure investments in Pakistan and Central Asia, has significantly strengthened Beijing’s position in the region.
He added that Afghanistan is a key link in connecting economic and geostrategic interests between Pakistan and Central Asia for China.
According to him, China is seeking to extract rare resources and rare earth elements in Afghanistan; reserves that have remained untapped so far.
Worden also emphasized that China’s focus is not only on natural resources, but also that the country is seeking to expand its political and economic presence in the region by taking advantage of the power vacuum in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the United States and its allies.
