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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Russia recognised Taliban, but India must tread cautiously
Given the fragile security landscape and many competing forces vying for influence in Kabul, placing exclusive bets on the Taliban would be strategically unwise for India. Representational Image In a significant turn of events, on July 3, Russia became the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban-ruled 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan', a political entity not recognised by any other state in the world. Ever since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, it took 4 years for the Kremlin to extend de jure recognition to the Taliban. However, Russia has been engaged with the Taliban at the highest level since 2021 and has treated Taliban authorities as de facto rulers. The Russian embassy was kept open and had been fully functional throughout. Besides Russia, other states also have a pragmatic or de facto relationship with Afghanistan, such as the UAE, Azerbaijan, Turkey, China, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, for their respective diplomatic reasons and have allowed the Taliban to man their embassies in their respective countries. Still, they have stopped short of formally recognising it as a 'state'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It can be anybody's guess that it is just a matter of time before recognition of the group as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan happens. China welcomed the Kremlin's move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, 'Beijing supports the international community in strengthening engagement and dialogue with the Afghan interim government.' Despite diplomatic overtures by other regional players, the Chinese still withhold formal recognition of Afghanistan. Prima facie, Russia's engagement and sustained cooperation with the Taliban in Afghanistan is primarily to keep a check on the Taliban's rival terrorist groups, mainly the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP), and seeking the Taliban's guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used as a launchpad against Russia and its allies necessitates the Kremlin's recognition of the regime. ISKP's terrorist attacks in Moscow in 2024, which left 133 people dead, created a common enemy, forcing the Kremlin to explore pragmatic cooperation with the Taliban it loathed. As ISKP consists mainly of defected Talibani commanders and soldiers, a sworn enemy and ideologically hostile to the Taliban, it has openly declared it an apostate regime. The militant group is known to commit terror acts not just in Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan, Iran, and even Central Asia, which is a de facto strategic and security realm of Russia. However, the urgency shown in the formal declaration by Russia warrants scrutiny, as it carries signals for other regional players, including India. Some scholars believe this is a Russian gift for the Taliban in recognition of its cooperation on counter-terrorism and its sensitivity towards Moscow's security and strategic concerns. Geography Shape Choices STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Afghanistan sits at the crossroads of three geopolitical hotspots in Asia: West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia. A region with the latent potential to cause instability across its periphery. For Russia, imperatives of stability and security in Central Asia and the North Caucasus compel it to reassess the strategic utility of Afghanistan, regardless of the regime's nature. Russia cannot afford to alienate a state that holds the geographic keys to its regional strategy and, most importantly, security in its backyard—even if that state is unstable, isolated, or untouchable among a comity of nations. Russia's dalliance with the Taliban underscores the enduring truth of the geopolitics that geography dictates state moves and motives. Russia already uses Afghanistan as a transit route for energy exports heading to Southeast Asia. In geopolitics, the moral or normative considerations associated with the regime type often succumb to geographic and economic necessity. Unlike the West, for Russia, interests take precedence over values. In the case of Afghanistan, geography doesn't guarantee affluence, but it certainly guarantees relevance. Historically, its significance has not been restricted to only regional powers; even global powers in the past have attempted to exercise levers in the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Withdrawal The hasty withdrawal of the US from Kabul in February 2021 resulted in a power vacuum. As with any vacuum, it has attracted a range of regional forces—some overlapping, others disjoint—each seeking to assert influence driven by their respective national interests. As preceding sections of the article underline, the security of its southern realm drives the Russian active engagement with the Taliban. Similarly, despite initial inhibition, other countries in the region, such as India, Iran, and China, made diplomatic overtures to Kabul through informal channels. A Game of Optics Beyond the structural factors motivating Moscow's engagement with the Taliban, the Kremlin seems to convey a broader message regarding the shift towards multipolarity in the world, where regime legitimacy is no longer rooted in liberal democratic norms. This initiative can be interpreted as part of a larger resistance against the Western approach of normative universalism. It is an opportune time, as under Trump's leadership, marked by his transactional foreign policy approach, the American liberal agenda has been relegated to the back burner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Simmering Tension in West Asia A more far-fetched explanation for this move could be that it is a proactive step on the part of Russia amidst the unravelling of the West Asian regional order. Russia has already lost a regional ally in Bashar al-Assad in Syria. In the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Russia could not help Iran as much as was expected. For Israel, Iran's nuclear question has not been settled and can be a flashpoint between Iran and Israel/the US, for which Russia, in the present geopolitical context, can do little for its ally, Iran. A regime change in Iran can further upend the regional order in the West's favour. A favourable balance of power in broader West Asia is vital for Moscow's security and economic interests. The US's design of regime change in Iran, which involves Russia and China and undermines Russian influence over Central Asia, necessitates an astute reading of the evolving situation. It demands proactive engagement with countries like India, Uzbekistan, and other neighbouring powers. In essence, many factors could undergird the Russian strategic gambit in Afghanistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How should India react? India should approach Russia's recognition of the Taliban with careful pragmatism, rather than simply mirroring Moscow's actions. A more effective strategy involves increasing engagement through diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian channels while avoiding formal acknowledgement. This approach allows India to protect its interests in Afghanistan, counterbalance competing influences, and maintain the flexibility needed for future policy adaptations as circumstances evolve. The most suitable course of action is to deepen involvement through various channels while stopping short of formal recognition. This strategy enables India to safeguard its interests, counter rival influences, and stay adaptable to future policy shifts based on changing conditions. It is important for India to see Russia's recognition not as a direct template to follow but as part of a wider regional change that presents both opportunities and challenges for its policy in Afghanistan. By practicing strategic patience in its engagement, India can achieve its goals in Afghanistan while preserving its principled stances and maintaining relationships with other partners. India's response should be carefully calibrated to maximise strategic advantages while minimising diplomatic repercussions, ensuring that any engagement aligns with its long-term objectives in regional stability, counter-terrorism, and economic ties to Central Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Given the fragile security landscape and many competing forces vying for influence in Kabul, placing exclusive bets on the Taliban, which has yet to prove its authority across the length and breadth of the country, would be strategically unwise. In the current scenario, a people-centric engagement policy that keeps informal diplomatic channels open and working is the most prudent framework. Amitabh Singh teaches at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Ankur is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Hill
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
China's nuclear weapons ploy is a war signal from Xi
On July 3, China's foreign ministry signaled that Beijing would sign the protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, or Bangkok Treaty of 1995. Russia is also ready to ink the protocol according to sources. Some believe the U.S. is also considering doing so. Beijing and Moscow suddenly deciding to sign the protocol is not an indication that peace is breaking out in that volatile portion of the world. On the contrary, the willingness to join looks like a war signal. 'As [the Association of South East Asian Nations'] comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China firmly supports establishing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone,' said Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, at her regular press conference. 'We have said more than once that China is ready to take the lead in signing the protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty. We will maintain communication with ASEAN countries on this matter.' The Bangkok Treaty is a pact signed by all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The treaty, according to the association, is 'a commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.' Moreover, through the treaty, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 'reaffirms the importance' of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The treaty established the world's third nuclear weapons-free zone. There are now five in total. The other zones cover Latin America and the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Africa and Central Asia. It also includes a protocol designed to be signed by the five states permitted by the non-proliferation treaty to possess nuclear weapons. The protocol, among other things, prohibits the use or threats to use nuclear weapons in the zone. So far, none of the five nuclear weapons states has signed on. So what's the harm in a nuclear weapons state signing the protocol? 'China and Russia had previously proposed a nuclear weapon-free zone for the Middle East to pressure Israel to give up its nuclear forces and to prevent the U.S. from deploying such weapons in the area,' Peter Huessy of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies told me this month. 'Now, Beijing and Moscow are playing the same game in Southeast Asia, which would make the area free for them to deploy surreptitiously their own nuclear forces.' After Beijing's July 3 announcement, Richard Fisher of the International Assessment and Strategy Center told me: 'The only reason for the Chinese Communist Party to sign the [protocol] is that it is getting closer to using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against Taiwan or the Philippines.' 'The treaty provides no real protection from Chinese nuclear weapons, but it would forbid U.S.-ally Philippines from permitting America to base nuclear weapons on its territory for the purpose of deterring or defeating a Chinese nuclear attack or an actual Chinese invasion of the Philippine island of Palawan, a threat for which Manila and Washington have been preparing,' said Fisher. 'As China gets closer to its war to destroy democracy in Taiwan, it wants to use the nuclear weapon-free zone to prevent the U.S. from deploying these weapons to defend that island republic too.' Fisher pointed out that China, with its ballistic missile submarines alone, will have, according to his median estimate, somewhere between 216 to 720 nuclear warheads 'on Southeast Asia's doorstep' by 2035. 'It's not clear to me how a country undertaking the largest nuclear arms build-up has the gall to push a nuclear-free zone treaty when it's busy deploying seaborne nuclear weapons all over the place,' said Huessy, who is also president of GeoStrategic Analysis. As both Huessy and Fisher noted, China has long been planning to wage war in East Asia. For instance, Xi Jinping has been issuing bellicose rhetoric lately. His favorite phrase these days is 'dare to fight.' He is doing more than just talking, however. Xi is engaged in the fastest military buildup since World War II. He has also been sanctions-proof his regime, stockpiling grain and other commodities, firing uniformed officers opposed to going to war and calling up reservists and mobilizing civilians for battle. Given significant war preparations, it's unlikely Beijing's willingness to sign the protocol to the Bangkok Treaty is the result of peaceful intentions. There is also a larger issue involving China's compliance with treaty obligations. Take Beijing's core promise not to spread nuclear weapons technology. Beginning in the 1970s, China proliferated that technology to Pakistan. As Huessy pointed out, Pakistan, through the A.Q. Khan black-market ring, then merchandised the Chinese tech to North Korea, Iran, Iraq and Libya. So why should the international community trust Beijing to honor the protocol when it violated its obligation to not proliferate nuclear weapons? In reality, treaties with China are one-way. Beijing expects others to honor their promises while it feels free to violate its obligations. So let Beijing and Moscow sign the protocol to the Bangkok Treaty, but the United States should not do so. Countries in the region rely on the American 'nuclear umbrella,' Washington's guarantee to use its most destructive weapons to protect them from attack. This is no time to call into question this critical commitment for U.S. friends and partners throughout East Asia.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beijing Review: Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing's history and modernity
BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 7-12, 25 young delegates from China and the United States gathered in Beijing for the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program. This cross-Pacific initiative opened a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy, giving American students a deeper and more nuanced view of China, and allowing young voices from both nations to find common ground where history meets modernity. The delegation visited the Blue Hall of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 11, where they attended a live press briefing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning joined the group for an open, face-to-face conversation afterward. "When Ms. Mao walked toward us, I was genuinely thrilled," Gina Egito, a computer science major from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, recalled. She had chosen her seat carefully to observe and take notes. Mao shared a group photo of her with the delegates on her official X account later that night, captioning it, "A delightful exchange with Chinese and American youth." Over the course of the week, the group visited a range of institutions and landmarks, including China Agricultural University (CAU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, as well as innovative tech titans like Tencent and Xiaomi. At CAU, delegates explored China's rural development strategies. At the WFP office, discussions turned to pressing global issues, including food security and South-South cooperation. "I think it's really interesting to see the developing countries working together to collaborate for their shared interest, for their shared problems, because it showcases a sense of camaraderie of being together. I'm really impressed with the WFP and their commitment to sustainable learning, intellectual sharing, and making sure it's accessible, because that's going to make their solutions long term," said Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, a student studying International Affairs and Chinese at East Tennessee State University. At the U.S. Embassy, the group engaged in frank and constructive conversations about the role youth can play in improving bilateral ties and mutual understanding. Cultural immersion was just as impactful. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City, Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch, a master's student in Technology Management at New York University, paused to take photos. "This is my third time in Beijing. I was here last November, and I visited this park at night. So, this is my first time experiencing it during the day. It's really nice to see it in a whole new light—there's such a lively atmosphere with people hanging out, and you can hear the bugs chirping. It's a refreshing, vibrant experience," he said. The group's visits to Tencent and Xiaomi brought the Chinese tech industry to life. At Tencent, delegates explored AI-driven tools and cutting-edge platforms like AI assistant Tencent Yuanbao and the 3D model generator Hunyuan3D. "That's something you can't truly learn from a textbook or a class—you have to be here, see it with your own eyes. It's definitely been an eye-opening experience," Erik Michael Larson, an undergraduate from Indiana University, said after a ride in a Xiaomi vehicle. The program also gave students a taste of everyday life in Beijing—from a boat ride down the gleaming Liangma River to the lively atmosphere of the city's Lotus Market. "When I think about China from what I've learned in class, it's mostly about special holidays or cultural events. But you don't really get to see what daily life is like. Experiencing it firsthand here has been a completely different perspective," said Larson. On the river cruise, a moment of surprise captured the imagination of Wayne State University law student Michael Alexander Buzzy. When a giant 3D screen lit up over the water, he instinctively reached for his camera. "It's incredible to be in a city—and a country—that has such a rich history. I feel like Beijing does a fantastic job of showcasing that, especially through this experience," he said. "For example, when we visited the Forbidden City, we got a deep dive into China's classical history. But in the heart of the city, you also get a real sense of China's modern-day development, technology, and how far it's come. It's been amazing to experience both sides of China in such a short time. I'm really excited for what's still to come." The youth delegation will travel onward to Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Suzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai for further exchanges and site visits from July 12 to 23. In Suzhou, they'll take part in the China-U.S. Future Diplomats summer camp. This program is jointly hosted by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conferences (ISC), and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University. All 25 U.S. and Chinese delegates were selected through the ISC. Comments to pengjiawei@ Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications GroupContact Person: Peng JiaweiEmail: pengjiawei@ Country: People's Republic of China YouTube: Facebook: X: TT: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Unlike China': Dalai Lama lauds India's religious freedom; claims Tibetan traditions in decline under Beijing rule
The Dalai Lama lauds India's religious freedom (Image credits: ANI) NEW DELHI: During his recent visit to Ladakh, the Dalai Lama said that India provides a 'free and flourishing environment' for the study of Buddhism's most profound philosophical teachings, while also highlighting the lack of religious freedom in China, ANI reported, quoting a statement from the Dalai Lama Office. "The precious traditions that we can learn and implement in daily life have declined in Tibet. Those who fled to India have had the responsibility of preserving these traditions,' he said, as cited by ANI. Reflecting on his exile from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government for its 'immense support' and 'tremendous assistance' to Tibetan refugees. He noted that this support made it possible to revive monastic universities and continue the practice of rigorous scholarly debate central to Buddhist philosophy. Drawing a clear contrast between India and China, the Dalai Lama criticised China's political control over religion, stating that such an environment hinders genuine spiritual growth. "Unlike China, where religious freedom is severely restricted and political control undermines genuine spiritual teaching, India offers a free and flourishing environment for the study of Buddhism's deepest philosophical texts, including the Middle Way (Madhyamaka) and logic (Pramana) from the ancient Nalanda tradition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)* ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo In China, the political situation is not stable, I feel it would be difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom," he said as cited by ANI. He further praised India's vibrant monastic institutions, where Tibetan Buddhism 's rich tradition of dialectical debate and academic rigor continues to thrive. Students, he said, actively engage in philosophical discussions that foster both insight and compassion. The Dalai Lama also pointed to the shared language, culture, and Buddhist heritage of the Himalayan region and Tibet, noting that Indian institutions play a key role in preserving and spreading the authentic Dharma. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions between India and China regarding the Dalai Lama's successor. The Dalai Lama recently outlined his succession plan, declaring that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. China, however, rejected the Tibetan spiritual leader's proposal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the selection must go through a process approved by Beijing. In response to China's position, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, emphasised that the decision lies solely with the Dalai Lama and traditional Buddhist customs. Speaking at birthday eve celebrations for the Tibetan spiritual leader in Dharamshala on July 5, Rijiju said, 'Dalai Lama institution is purely religious and government of India believes there should be no interference in religious matters... I would like to wish His Holiness a long life... All his devotees desire to see him healthy so that the global community can benefit from his wisdom... I don't want to react on the Chinese statement, but we leave everything to His Holiness. '
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
China unveils world's largest $50MILLION inflatable dome over construction site – and its use will surprise you
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHINA has unveiled a massive inflatable dome in the middle of a major city to help shield residents from a construction site. The whopping 50m-high inflatable is reported to be the largest of its kind in the world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Its design is said to allow for easy inflation and dismantling Credit: Mao Ning Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/Facebook 5 A viral video shows the incredible moment the inflatable swallows up the building site Credit: Mao Ning Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/Facebook 5 The whopping 50m-high inflatable is reported to be the largest of its kind in the world Credit: Mao Ning Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/Facebook Measuring 20,000 square metres, the dome is designed to protect the surrounding neighbourhoods from dust and noise during construction. A viral video shows the incredible moment the inflatable swallows up the building site in the city of Jinan. Viewers can see the dome gradually inflating to its enormous size through a jaw-dropping timelapse. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, revealed the giant dome in a Facebook post on July 2. The balloon uses negative pressure and air filtration systems to stop construction dust affecting nearby areas, according to Times Now News. Its design is said to allow for easy inflation and dismantling so it can be deployed where needed quickly. The dome is made from lightweight PVDF-coated polyester, with four big fans keeping it inflated. Transparent panels let in natural sunlight, allowing the inside to keep well lit during the day without the need for artificial lighting, the Bridge Chronicle has reported. But the viral clip has also drawn a lot of attention on TikTok, with many users sharing their reactions to the vast inflatable. One user jested: "This is really dangerous because if it gets too big it becomes really soft and a giant might see it and come to take a nap." China's terrifying new giant 'sea monster' war plane pictured for first time - & it's a throwback to Cold War Soviet tech But another said it is "such a clever way to protect both the environment and the people living nearby". "How does one even manufacture a single sheet that large?", asked another. It comes as China continues to face issues with many of its major construction projects. A giant skyscraper in the city of Tianjin had stood unfinished for nearly a decade before construction was resumed. 5 It would have been the fifth-tallest building in the world if construction was completed 5 The Goldin Finance 117 in Northern China is twice as high as The Shard in London Goldin Finance 117, nicknamed The Walking Stick due to its architectural shape, had loomed uncompleted over the city for many years. But work on the £8billion project was halted following the 2015 Chinese stock market crash. Standing at a staggering 1,959 feet, the Walking Stick is nearly twice as tall as The Shard. But Chinese state media has since reported the skyscraper will now resume construction. It will no longer get to claim the title as China's tallest building that had been forecast, however. Two taller skyscrapers, the Shanghai Tower and Shenzhen's Ping An Finance Centre, have topped out since then.
