China�s Afghan Policy: De Facto Recognition of The Taliban Regime

Abstract

This study aims to investigate China�s proactive stance toward developing tight ties with the Taliban regime. The author applies external-internal setting theory to examine China�s reasons for not carrying out Government Recognition to Taliban regime along with rational choice theory to emphasize why the choice to recognize the Taliban only as a de facto is the best solution for China�s current national interests. To study China�s foreign policy, a qualitative-explanatory method with a deductive method is used. After analyzing China�s concerns about Xinjiang instability as one of the �5 Poisons� and China�s security projects and investments in Afghanistan and the South and Central Asia region due to the Taliban�s weak legitimacy, this paper concludes that the recognition of Taliban regime is not a priority agenda at this time. China prioritizes regional cooperation and international support due to Afghanistan-based terrorism. Keywords: Foreign Policy, China, Taliban, Afghanistan, De Facto Recognition