China shares a short border with Afghanistan, in the Wakhan Corridor, and has long been interested in the country’s stability, particularly with regard to security in its western regions.
Chinese companies won rights in 2007 to develop the Mes Aynak copper deposit, one of the largest investments of its kind in Afghanistan, though progress was slow. Chinese policy has also emphasized regional diplomacy and cooperation on counterterrorism.
Analysts differ on how far economic interests will translate into influence.
