Retired US General Warns Power Vacuum in Afghanistan Fuels China’s Growing Influence

Keith Klag, a retired US Army Lieutenant General and co-chair of the US Security Center at the First America Policy Institute, has issued a warning about the power vacuum following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. He believes that Washington’s exit in 2021 has created opportunities for China to expand its political and economic influence in the country.

In an opinion piece published in The Washington Post, Klag stated that the United States has treated Afghanistan as a closed chapter after its withdrawal, shifting its focus to other regions, while China views Afghanistan as a vital border for securing natural resources and pursuing strategic regional development.

Highlighting Afghanistan’s valuable mineral reserves such as copper, lithium, and iron ore, he emphasized that Chinese companies are seeking mining concessions and developing trade relations with the Taliban administration. This comes at a time when Washington is aiming to reduce its dependency on China for critical minerals, making the competition over control of strategic resources a key issue.

Klag added that the Taliban have failed to establish efficient government structures, economic stability, or international relations necessary for normal investment flows. As a result, Afghanistan remains disconnected from the global financial system, and concerns over security and legal protections for contracts deter international investors. Nonetheless, China may continue its efforts despite these risks.

The retired general also referenced his meeting in Washington with Elias Faizi Ghuryani, the executive head of the Afghanistan Freedom Movement, emphasizing the need for Washington to politically and diplomatically support moderate, stability-seeking figures. He clarified that this approach should not imply renewed military commitments or new financial burdens for the US government.

In conclusion, Klag warned that Washington’s neglect of developments in Afghanistan not only threatens the achievements of the past two decades but could also strengthen China’s and other US rivals’ roles in Central Asia. He believes that Afghanistan’s political future should be decided by its own people, but the lack of international support could increase foreign actors’ influence.