The US and China are clashing over which country should draft UNSC resolutions on Afghanistan, a matter that has gained urgency since Trump’s presidency. This dispute reflects a changing international order, with China aiming to assert its influence while addressing security concerns related to Afghanistan. Gowan suggests China’s interest in Afghanistan’s resources is another factor driving this ambition.
The United States and China are currently engaged in a dispute regarding who should draft UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions concerning Afghanistan. Richard Gowan, the UN Director at the International Crisis Group, highlighted that tensions around this issue have heightened since Donald Trump took office, impacting both UN collaborations with the Taliban-led government and China’s rising influence within the UNSC.
In the UNSC context, the term “penholder” refers to the council member responsible for initiating and leading the drafting of resolutions. Holding this role allows a country to significantly influence the language and terms of the resolutions on peace operations or sanctions.
So far, China has remained distinct from other permanent council members, mainly co-drafting resolutions on North Korea during the 2010s while abstaining from leading on other country-specific issues. However, there are indications that China desires to become more proactive, particularly regarding Afghanistan, which aligns with its broader geopolitical aims.
China sees a persistent UN presence in Afghanistan as beneficial for its interests, particularly to mitigate the risk of terrorism and exploit Afghanistan’s mineral resources. The Chinese government’s strategic goals may drive its aspirations to act as the penholder for Afghanistan within the UNSC, marking a significant shift in its engagement at the UN.
The ongoing dispute between the US and China over the drafting of UNSC resolutions on Afghanistan points to broader geopolitical dynamics at play. China’s desire to take on the penholder role reflects its increased ambition on the global stage, highlighting significant implications for both international relations and security policy regarding the Taliban-led government.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
