Taliban 2.0 and the BRI: A Text* Analysis of China’s Balancing Act

This article examines China’s response to Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, focusing on the implications for the BRI. Employing R for text analysis, the article uncovers China’s nuanced sentiments—balancing optimism and caution amid the prevailing uncertainties surrounding the Taliban regime. China’s prioritization of security concerns in Afghanistan, addressing both Xinjiang’s stability and Afghanistan’s internal security situation, takes precedence over immediate economic interests, notably the BRI. This emphasis on security is evident in the extensive use of terms pertaining to China’s security concerns, reflecting a cautious approach towards Afghanistan’s evolving landscape.