A Chinese mine worker was killed in an attack in Afghanistan, police confirmed on Wednesday, as the Taliban administration attempts to showcase improved security to attract investment from China.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening in the northern province of Takhar, near the Tajikistan border. Provincial police spokesperson Mohammad Akbar Haqqani stated that the Chinese citizen was attacked by “unknown armed men” while traveling. Haqqani added that the individual was traveling “for unknown reasons” without notifying security forces, who typically escort Chinese nationals during such trips. The man’s translator was unharmed in the attack.
Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani identified the victim as a business owner with a contract to mine in Afghanistan. The Chinese embassy in Kabul has not yet commented, and no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The Taliban government has been promoting Afghanistan’s vast, untapped natural resources as a potential economic lifeline and an attractive opportunity for foreign investors. Despite ongoing security concerns, China has shown interest in economic partnerships, positioning itself as a potential investor in the region.
On Tuesday, Chinese and Afghan officials celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations during an event in Kabul. At the gathering, Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai reassured Chinese representatives of Afghanistan’s security improvements. “We invite Chinese businessmen and investors to come and invest in Afghanistan with confidence,” he said.
While security has significantly improved since the Taliban regained power in 2021, incidents of violence persist, particularly from the Islamic State’s regional affiliate (ISIS-K). The group frequently targets security forces, government officials, and foreigners. In 2022, an ISIS-K attack on a Kabul hotel popular with Chinese nationals injured at least five Chinese citizens.
This latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of foreign nationals and securing international investment in Afghanistan.
