Background Information
Following the US withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban merged territorial control and reconstituted governance mechanisms under a theocratic regime. Although not officially recognised, Russia and China, among other regional powers, have kept in touch with the Taliban leadership.
In early 2025, Russia’ General Prosecutor’s Office petitioned the Supreme Court to delist the Taliban as a terrorist organisation. This legal-political manoeuvre reflects Moscow’s intent to expand its influence and economic ties in Afghanistan, which it frames as a stabilising force in Central Asia. Commenting the upcoming Russian decision, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that removing the Taliban from the list of terrorist organisations would pave the way for stronger diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
Concurrently, the People’s Republic of China has intensified military and intelligence cooperation with the Taliban. Between 8 and 12 January 2025, Chinese military intelligence officials visited the Wakhan Corridor, reportedly to complete joint security coordination frameworks and reinforce border defence mechanisms. The region is critical because of its proximity to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and historical use as a transit route for extremist elements.
In April 2025, reports emerged alleging a US C-17A aircraft landed at Bagram Air Base, carrying senior CIA personnel, potentially including Deputy Director John Ratcliffe. Unconfirmed and possibly speculative reports have raised regional concerns about a potential, covert US return to Afghanistan, perhaps tied to containing Iran, Russia, and China in the region and broader intelligence efforts.
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