November 24, 2021
1 min read

China explores lithium projects in Afghanistan

The report said that five Chinese companies obtained special visas and arrived in Afghanistan early in November to conduct on-site inspections….reports Asian Lite News

Looking to ‘explore’ nearly trillion-dollar worth of rare earth materials, a group of Chinese delegations have arrived in Afghanistan on special visas and are conducting on-site inspections of potential lithium projects.

Despite growing interest from Chinese companies, major uncertainties remain in Afghanistan in terms of policy, security, the economy and infrastructure, the state media tabloid Global Times reported. The report said that five Chinese companies obtained special visas and arrived in Afghanistan early in November to conduct on-site inspections.

“[They] have arrived in the Chinatown and are conducting inspections in Afghanistan as planned,” said Yu Minghui, director of the committee, which has been helping Chinese companies explore business opportunities in Afghanistan. Yu told GT that he believes these company representatives received the first batch of special visas issued to Chinese investors.

Afghanistan flag(Pic credit wikipedia)

Back in August, Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia had reported that China is positioning itself to be a major international partner to the Taliban after the fall of Kabul. The report added that Bejing eyes Afghanistan’s USD 1-2 trillion worth of rare Earth materials — most notably lithium.

James Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, said that China seeks to consolidate as much control as they can over strategic supply chains for everything from microchips to electric car batteries, they want primacy in Kabul.

Experts believe that Pakistan will seek to partner with the Chinese in exploiting the mineral wealth and blocking India from a role with the Taliban regime.

For most of the 19th century, the Russian and British empires contended over Afghanistan in what was known as the Great Game. The geopolitical competition recognised the strategic position of Afghanistan, and its potential to influence South Asia. (ANI)

ALSO READ: China intensifies crackdown on celebrity culture

Previous Story

‘Nature Didn’t Make Borders Anyway, Humans Did’

Next Story

53 companies from Bogota to showcase their business prowess at Expo 2020

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB — toll expected to rise in May….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported

Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US to discuss formation of inclusive government with Taliban

The US statement reads that forging an inclusive government in

Taliban renew calls for global reengagement with Afghanistan

Senior Taliban officials asked UNs’ special representative Roza Otunbayeva to