Afghanistan denies China establishing military base on its territory
The representative of the Afghan Ministry of Defense, General Mohammad Radmanesh, denied information about the establishment of a Chinese military base on Afghan territory.
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| Afghan Army |
In comments to Sputnik, he noted that "the issue in question is not related to the establishment of a military base, but to ensuring the logistics and technical support of the Afghan army."
"Previously, the Afghan Defense Minister visited China to discuss the establishment of a brigade in Badakhshan. China expressed its willingness to cooperate with Afghanistan in providing support, maintaining equipment for the new military base as well as other issues. This does not mention the establishment of a Chinese military base in Badakhshan. The base is being built by Afghanistan and will be located in Badakhshan."
Bashir Bijan, an expert on Afghan political affairs and a member of the National Conference party, commented to Sputnik on some of the reasons why China is ready to help Afghanistan.
According to Bijan, China is primarily seeking to protect itself from the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. China is also concerned about the US presence and intentions in Afghanistan.
In addition, China also pursues economic goals. According to him, Afghanistan is one of the neighboring countries with which China has a long-standing relationship and this is also the reason why China is willing to support Afghanistan.
