Taliban Government Completes Road to Chinese Border, Beijing Cautious on Opening Trade Route
The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has completed a road through the Wakhan Corridor, reaching the Chinese border at the Wakhjir Pass. This project, funded by Afghan government resources, aims to create new trade routes and reduce Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistan for commerce. The road, an unpaved track covered with gravel, was completed in phases, with the latest 71-kilometer section contracted in March 2025. Despite the completion, China has not yet agreed to open its border for commercial traffic, citing security concerns. The Wakhjir Pass is closed by snow for at least five months a year, and there is currently no Chinese customs facility on the other side. The project has been a long-standing ambition, with previous attempts stalled due to rugged terrain, security concerns over Uighur fighters, and the change of government in 2021.
