Will China become Afghanistan's new sponsor?
b"
Last month, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed senior Taliban leaders to Beijing, standing shoulder to shoulder for the photographers. China is carefully watching events unfold in Afghanistan. And while it hasn\\u2019t yet recognised the Taliban government, the Beijing meeting was a nod towards a potential alliance.
\\n\\n
But replacing America in Afghanistan wouldn\\u2019t be without its risks \\u2013 can Beijing succeed where Washington failed? America's 20 year mission in the country cost lives and money. And what would a closer alliance mean for China\\u2019s Xinjiang policy, considering the close links that the Taliban has historically had with militant Uyghur groups?\\xa0
\\n
\\nI speak to Tom Miller, author of\\xa0China's Asian Dream, and Dr Mike Martin, author of\\xa0An Intimate War\\xa0and former British Army officer in Helmand.
"
\\n
\\nI speak to Tom Miller, author of\\xa0China's Asian Dream, and Dr Mike Martin, author of\\xa0An Intimate War\\xa0and former British Army officer in Helmand.