China has taken the unprecedented step of officially recognizing the Taliban terrorist regime, breaking new diplomatic ground and sparking international controversy. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping accepted the diplomatic credentials from the Afghan Taliban regime’s ambassador on Jan. 30 in Beijing. This event marked the first diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government in Kabul, which is not recognized internationally, and is a concerning move that has not been positively received.
The CCP’s decision to engage with the Taliban has drawn criticism and concern from several quarters. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, a few countries have maintained diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, but none have sent a new ambassador. The role of Russia and China in dealing with the Taliban has also sparked debate. Despite Russia’s close ties with the Taliban, it has not officially removed the group from its list of terrorist organizations or recognized the Taliban government.
China’s refusal to condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is cause for global concern. The CCP’s close relationship with the Taliban has raised questions about its intentions and motivations. The CCP has a history of supporting and aligning itself with terrorist organizations and autocratic regimes, raising fears that it may play a disruptive role in global affairs.
Reflecting on these disturbing developments, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Rep. Mike Gallagher have highlighted the need to learn from history and recognize the threat posed by China’s growing influence and support for autocratic regimes. As China finds eager friends in Tehran, Moscow, and Pyongyang, the international community must remain vigilant and uphold democratic values in the face of these troubling developments.