China has been quick to signal its acceptance of renewed Taliban rule over Afghanistan, stating that it respects the quote, “the will and decision of the people of Afghanistan” on August 16 – one day after the Taliban leadership announced their victory in the presidential palace in Kabul.

What are China’s interests in Afghanistan? How do the new circumstances impact Xinjiang? And what can decisionmakers in Europe do? 

In our interview Angela Stanzel, associate researcher in the Asia division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) shares her analysis. In her view China is mainly interested in protecting its own border. Beyond that, Stanzel does not expect China to offer Afghanistan significant security or economic cooperation.