Pakistan’s northern and northwestern borders are once again witnessing evolving power dynamics that have both regional and global strategic implications. The new power game alignments are increasingly shaped by a multipolar competition among China, India and the US, with Afghanistan as a volatile center and Russia watching the developments at an arm’s length. More specifically, it is the US-China rivalries playing out in the region with the US’ focus on India as a counterweight to China in South Asia.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan created a vacuum, which China cashed in on by discreetly shaping up its economic and geopolitical inroads into this territory abandoned by others. The government of Donald Trump has renewed its interest in Afghanistan and wants to mend its relationship - this time to improve its economic and strategic interest.

The abundance of rare mineral resources in Afghanistan fits into its global quest for laying hands on rare minerals. So is this the quest of China. Reportedly, a bill is being tabled in the Congress to remove Afghanistan from the terrorist list, thereby paving the way for the US to normalise its relationship with Afghanistan. India is also not behind in making its inroads into Afghanistan.........

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