Richard Javad Heydarian, Professorial Chairholder in Geopolitics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Sep 19, 2021
Parallels between the U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan and its previous defeat in Vietnam have been top of mind for many, nowhere more so than in Southeast Asia itself, where American intervention and the ensuing fallout is still being reckoned with today.
Su Jingxiang, Fellow, China Institutes for Contemporary International Relations
Sep 07, 2021
While other U.S. allies participated modestly in exercises in the South China Sea with a warship or two, the United Kingdom jumped in with both feet, dispatching an aircraft carrier fleet. This highlighted its special relationship with the U.S. and revealed some deeper strategic intent.
Zhang Yun, Associate Professor, National Niigata University in Japan
Sep 07, 2021
The term is used to criticize the United States for its haphazard exit from Afghanistan, but in truth it reflects the plight of U.S. allies — specifically, their inability to exercise their own strategic autonomy. America’s failure may present an opportunity for U.S. allies to cut the apron strings and start acting independently.
Wang Zhen, Research Professor, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences
Sep 07, 2021
The future of the anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan rests both on the Taliban’s own endeavors and the support of the international community. If the lessons of the 20-year campaign against terror can be learned, there is reason to hope.
Wang Zhen, Research Professor, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences
Sep 06, 2021
There is lots of room for China-U.S. cooperation, but it won’t happen automatically. A concerted effort by both is needed. The Americans should recognize that China is a trustworthy partner, not a rival, when it comes to Afghan affairs. China, too, will need to change its thinking.
Fan Gaoyue, Guest Professor at Sichuan University, Former Chief Specialist at PLA Academy of Military Science
Sep 06, 2021
The notion that America can fight and win all over the world has proved false yet again. The display of panic was an embarrassment that undermined the U.S. military’s reputation for making and executing plans. It should have been clear that this war never was winnable.
Fu Xiaoqiang, Vice President, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Sep 03, 2021
Everyone hopes to see the world’s two major powers coordinate and support each other in guiding Afghanistan toward the future. They need to come to grips with issues that separate them and present a united front. Together, they should help Afghanistan move on from the chaos of war.
He Wenping, Senior Fellow, Charhar Institute
Sep 03, 2021
Stability and unity in Afghanistan will facilitate the extension of the Belt and Road Initiative and connect western Asia. China can play a key role in helping the Afghan people embark on a road of national reconstruction and prosperity.
Fawaz A. Gerges, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics
Aug 25, 2021
By hastily withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden has made a grave mistake, or so many argue. US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for example, has called the Taliban’s swift takeover of the country an “even worse sequel to the humiliating fall of Saigon in 1975.” That sequel, top US generals, conservatives, and even some liberals predict, will be characterized by the resurgence of transnational terrorism.
Sun Chenghao, Fellow, Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University
Aug 24, 2021
Many challenges lie ahead in China-U.S. relations with regard to Afghanistan. The U.S. will most likely perceive any Chinese policies as an effort to gain the upper hand in geopolitical competition. Meanwhile, China is concerned that the chaos could spill over into Central Asia.