Afghanistan Peace Campaign
An American expert warns that China is seeking to dominate Afghanistan’s untapped rare earth resources to strengthen regional influence and control.
In an article published on Sunday, May 11, in the Washington Times, Worden argued that the shutdown of USIP weakens U.S. soft power globally and accelerates the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence.
Worden, who previously managed the Afghanistan and Central Asia programs at USIP, stated that China’s growing investments in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative make the closure of USIP a “gift” to Beijing. He emphasized that Afghanistan is crucial for connecting China’s interests in Pakistan and Central Asia.
China has already made significant infrastructure investments in Pakistan, and its presence in Central Asia, including in sectors like trade, energy, and infrastructure, has been expanding. Worden noted that China is focused on exploiting rare earth elements, which are abundant in Afghanistan but yet to be fully mined, to bolster its regional influence.
The closure of the U.S. Institute of Peace marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan, potentially paving the way for increased Chinese influence. Worden’s remarks underscore the ongoing strategic competition in the region, as Beijing seeks to exploit Afghanistan’s untapped resources to further its ambitions. The move also highlights the broader geopolitical contest for influence in Central Asia and the Middle East.