Tajikistan Approves $57 Million Chinese Investment for Border Posts, Holds High-Level Talks with Islamic Emirate

Tajikistan has shifted its diplomatic and security policy toward Afghanistan amid rising border insecurities along the countries' 1,375-kilometer shared frontier.

In March, the Tajik parliament approved an agreement under which China will invest $57 million to build and equip nine new border posts. The move underscores China's growing involvement in the security of its neighbor.

At the same time, Tajikistan has broadened diplomatic engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate's foreign minister held meetings with Tajik officials in December and February, representing the highest-level contacts between the two sides since the Islamic Emirate's return to power in August 2021.

The policy change comes in response to recent border incidents. In November, attacks killed five Chinese citizens. Clashes involving smugglers in July and December resulted in the deaths of seven Afghans and two Tajik border guards.

Islamic Emirate officials have attributed these attacks to armed groups operating outside Kabul's control.

According to experts cited in reports, Tajikistan's approach aligns with cooperation between China and Russia on border security, as well as efforts to build active relations with Afghanistan in line with regional realities. The steps aim to bolster Tajikistan's presence in regional diplomacy.