27.02.2026 11:13
As conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue, there are comments that China could emerge from the process with strategic and economic advantages due to its $3.48 billion investments in Afghanistan and the supply of advanced fighter jets and defense systems to Pakistan.
Mutual attacks along the Durand Line between Pakistan and Afghanistan have raised tensions. The Pakistan Ministry of Defense stated after the clashes, "Our patience has run out, we have entered open war with Afghanistan." Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also expressed, "There is now open war between us." It has been reported that 133 people from the Afghan side and 55 soldiers from the Pakistani side lost their lives in the clashes.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE NEVER-ENDING CRISIS
The 2,640-kilometer Durand Line between the two countries was drawn in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan. However, the division of Pashtun tribes by the border has led to social and political issues. Afghanistan does not recognize the line as an official border. Pakistan describes the steel barriers it has built along the border as an "occupation line." Frequent clashes at the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossing points continue to show that the line remains the biggest source of tension between the two countries.
"THE REAL WINNER OF THE WAR IS CHINA" COMMENTS
While the clashes continue, international analyses suggest that China could benefit from the situation. After the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, the country became dependent on China. On the other hand, China is also among Pakistan's largest arms suppliers.
CHINA-AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC TIES
Afghanistan has an economy that is dependent on foreign aid. In a country where the private sector is weak, the manufacturing industry is limited, and dependence on the agricultural sector is high, local financial resources are insufficient for investments. It is reported that security expenditures account for 28% of the public budget. While the total foreign investment stock is estimated to be around 5 billion dollars, it is stated that the largest investor is China, with 3.48 billion dollars. China is also among Afghanistan's important trading partners.
CHINA'S ARMS SUPPLY TO PAKISTAN
China, one of Pakistan's largest arms suppliers, recently supplied Pakistan with 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets, KJ-500 AWACS early warning aircraft, and the HQ-19 air defense system. The J-35 is known as China's second stealth fighter after the J-20. With its advanced avionics systems, the J-35 is classified as a fifth-generation fighter jet and is expected to provide a significant upgrade to Pakistan's air capabilities.