China has a strategic interest in Tajikistan in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Tajikistan is China’s gateway to Central Asia. Therefore, the Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) presents the views of Dr. Umedjon Majidi, Governance and Policy Specialist at the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), to discuss the role of Tajikistan in the Belt and Road Inititative.
1. How does China view Tajikistan in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative? Can it be said that Dushanbe is China’s gateway to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan?
Tajikistan has a direct border with China, Afghanistan and the Vahan Corridor, which connects Central Asia with Pakistan. Yes, we can say that Tajikistan is China’s gateway to Central Asia.
2. What do you think about China’s plans regarding the Wahan Corridor?
China is developing cooperation and taking security measures in the region to prevent Afghan terrorist groups from entering Tajikistan through the Wahan Corridor. China is seriously studying the issues of drug trafficking and infiltration of terrorists into neighboring regions.
3. Do you think China sees Tajikistan as strategically important to reach Pakistan?
The regional position of Tajikistan is important to China. On the other hand, the narrow strip of the Vahan corridor is critical for China. This narrow strip separates Tajikistan from Pakistan.
4. What do you think Tajikistan’s mountainous terrain is an obstacle for China’s Belt and Road Initiative?
Mountainous terrain is not a major obstacle for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The history of Tajik-Chinese relations has proven that the Chinese workforce is experienced in building better tunnels and roads and has the capital and credit to implement infrastructure projects.
Dr. Umedjon Majidi
Umedjon Majidi is a Governance and Policy Specialist at the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED). Umedjon holds a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy from the National University of Tajikistan, an MA in Corruption and Governance from the University of Sussex, and an MA in Politics (with a specialization in International Relations) from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
