Fri Dec 26 15:00:38 UTC 2025: News Article: Attacks Targeting Chinese Nationals Strain Tajikistan-Afghanistan Relations
Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Tensions are escalating along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border following a series of attacks targeting Chinese businesses and workers within Tajikistan. Tajik authorities report multiple armed incursions this month, attributing them to “terrorists” crossing from Afghanistan. These incidents have strained the already fragile relationship between Tajikistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
Over a dozen people, including Chinese nationals, have been killed in the attacks and subsequent clashes with Tajik forces. Recent fighting in the Shamsiddin Shokhin district resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including three alleged attackers.
Tajikistan has long been critical of the Taliban and has not officially recognized their government. The Tajik government alleges that the attacks originated from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province and accuses the Taliban of failing to uphold international obligations to ensure border security and combat terrorism. Dushanbe has demanded an apology from the Taliban and called for concrete action to secure the shared border.
The attacks appear to be specifically targeting Chinese interests in the region, as two attacks were launched against Chinese companies and nationals in the last week of November. China is Tajikistan’s largest creditor and a significant economic partner, with a substantial presence in infrastructure, mining, and other projects. The Chinese embassy in Dushanbe has advised its citizens to evacuate the border area, and Beijing has urged Tajikistan to take all necessary measures to safeguard Chinese enterprises and citizens.
Analysts suggest the attacks bear the hallmarks of the ISIL (ISIS) affiliate in Khorasan Province (ISKP), which aims to undermine the Taliban’s credibility as a security provider.
The Taliban has expressed “deep sorrow” over the killings of Chinese workers and has blamed the violence on an unnamed armed group seeking to create chaos and distrust. They have assured Tajikistan of their full cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Afghanistan from being used as a base for attacking other countries.
Despite the Taliban’s insistence that no “terrorist groups” operate from Afghanistan, a recent UN report cited the presence of multiple armed groups, including ISKP, near the Tajik border.
The Tajik-Afghan border has been a known trafficking route for drugs, further complicating relations. The increased frequency of clashes raises concerns about a potential emerging threat in the region. The situation is further complicated by the Taliban’s crackdown on poppy cultivation in Badakhshan, which has faced resistance from farmers.
The attacks and accusations exchanged between Tajikistan and the Taliban highlight the ongoing challenges in the region and the potential for further instability.
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