Seventy years after shaking hands on diplomatic relations, China and Afghanistan are marking a milestone anniversary on January 20, 2025. From ancient Silk Road neighbors to modern partners, their journey has evolved into a tapestry of cooperation – and the numbers tell the story.
Trade between the two nations surged by 35% in the last decade alone, fueled by China's Belt and Road Initiative projects like the Kabul-Urumqi freight corridor. Meanwhile, educational exchanges have doubled since 2020, with hundreds of Afghan students now studying at Chinese universities.
Cultural ties are thriving too – Kabul's National Museum recently hosted its biggest-ever exhibition of Tang Dynasty artifacts. ‘We’re writing new chapters while preserving our shared history,’ said Afghan art curator Zarlasht Zamani during the showcase.
With security cooperation and agricultural tech transfers also expanding, analysts describe the relationship as ‘more pragmatic than ever.’ As one Beijing-based diplomat quipped: ‘They’re proof that 70 is the new 30 in international partnerships.’
Reference(s):
cgtn.com