Unlike the previous year, where robot designs varied widely, most teams in 2026 used standardised platforms such as Unitree, Tien Kung, or models linked to Huawei’s spin-off Honor. The competition focused mainly on software development and optimisation algorithms.

Honor robots led the race. One model crossed the finish line first with operator support, while another fully autonomous Honor robot recorded the fastest independent time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

That time was faster than the human world record holder, Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, who completed the same distance in about 57 minutes in March at the Lisbon road race.

The performance marked a notable improvement from the inaugural race in 2025, when the winning robot finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds.

“In our training, we emulated top human runners,” said Du Xiaodi, an engineer at Honor.

The second and third place positions in the autonomous category were also secured by Honor robots.

International teams from Germany, France, Portugal and Brazil took part in the event.

The reaction followed an EU announcement earlier this week outlining measures to gradually remove equipment supplied by countries it considers “high risk” to the security of critical infrastructure. The proposal would affect major Chinese technology groups, including Huawei and ZTE.

"What China and the international community demand confirmation of is: what exactly is Japan's so-called 'consistent position'? Does Japan still adhere to the One-China principle? Japan should honestly, accurately, and completely explain its so-called 'consistent position.' Brushing it off with vague words, avoiding the real issue, and hoping to get away with it simply won’t work," spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

The remarks were made following the Japanese government's reaffirmation that there is no change in its position on what constitutes a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. The clarification came in a written response approved during a Cabinet meeting. The reply addressed an inquiry from an opposition lawmaker regarding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s earlier comments about Taiwan.

China recently advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan. This recommendation was issued in response to perceived threats made by Prime Minister Takaichi, who suggested that Japan might consider deploying forces if China were to attack Taiwan.

The 145% tariffs implemented by the United States on imports from China prompted a reciprocal 125% tax from China on American products. Despite these tensions, President Trump expressed optimism about enhancing trade relations with China, asserting that the tariffs would significantly decrease, although not entirely disappear. Ortberg stated that the halting of aircraft deliveries by China was a direct consequence of the prevailing tariff situation.

Boeing, recognized as America's largest exporter, relies on approximately 70% of its commercial aircraft sales from international markets. In response to the ongoing issues, Ortberg mentioned that the company is evaluating strategies to re-market 41 already produced planes to alternative customers, given the robust demand from other airlines. Additionally, there are nine planes not yet integrated into Boeing's production schedule, which he aims to redirect if necessary.

Boeing maintains close communication with the Trump administration regarding the trade conflict with China, emphasizing daily engagement with key government officials. Ortberg expressed hope for fruitful negotiations to resolve these trade disputes. Moreover, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent opined that there is a chance for a significant trade agreement between the United States and China, contingent on China's willingness to reduce its dependence on manufacturing exports.

Additionally, Ortberg highlighted that other manufacturers in Boeing's supply chain are also affected by tariffs, particularly suppliers located in Japan and Italy, where universal tariffs of 10% are now in place. CFO Brian West underscored the importance of free trade policies for Boeing, expressing a commitment to collaborate with suppliers to ensure operational continuity. The company has reported improved financial performance in the first quarter of this year, attributed to higher production and delivery rates, with plans to ramp up production of its 737 MAX jets to 38 units per month by 2025.

Uyghur activist Rahima Mahmut voiced concerns over the project, calling it a threat to dissidents. “This site will be a hub for transnational repression. It will make it unsafe for activists like myself,” she said. “This huge embassy will enable China to extend its repression beyond its borders," she told the AFP.

“A dispute is inevitable, and I don't have any other hope that there will be peace between China and the US… I think China must be mentally prepared to continue fighting a trade war with the US,” a Beijing resident told AFP.

“I am quite impressed by him. Of course, he put America first. As Chinese, we probably want China to take priority too, right?” another resident questioned.

During his campaign, Trump vowed to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports, a move that could significantly affect China’s economy. 

Analysts predict such policies could reduce China’s economic growth by as much as two percentage points, a considerable blow to its export-driven growth model.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at noon (1700 GMT) inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol, a decision made due to extreme cold. This is the first indoor inauguration in four decades. 

The event also comes four years after the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters attempting to overturn his 2020 defeat to the exiting Joe Biden.

The Algerian embassy in Tanzania commemorated its liberation revolution's 70th anniversary , signifying a deep-rooted partnership between the two nations. Ambassador Ahmed Djellal underscored Algeria's dedication to freedom and self-determination, whilst Tanzanian Minister Dr. Khalid Salum Mohamed acknowledged Algeria's pivotal role in pan-African unity through initiatives like the African Union. Both nations are focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy, trade, and security, addressing common challenges affecting the continent.

Building collapse

The collapse of a four-storey building in Dar es Salaam highlights the urgent need for rigorous construction regulations. The incident , which claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals and injured many others, has stirred public concern regarding building safety. The government has responded by promising audits and reinforced oversight, aiming to prevent future tragedies in a city under pressure from rapid development.

China pledges support

Economic partnerships are also evolving, as China vows to bolster Tanzania's tourism sector, targeting the attraction of 5 million tourists by 2025. This commitment includes significant investment in tourism infrastructure, which is critical as Tanzania seeks to enhance its global appeal amidst growing competition in the region. The establishment of the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Information Center is a noted initiative that embodies these efforts, aligning with broader cooperation frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Tanzania attains 128% sufficiency without GMOs

Agricultural progress in Tanzania has reached a noteworthy 128% food sufficiency level, distinguishing the nation as a net exporter without resorting to GMOs. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's emphasis on sustainable farming practices aligns with global movements advocating against genetically modified crops. This strategy reflects a commitment to biodiversity and local agricultural systems, offering a model for other nations grappling with food security.

Bilateral cooperation

Indonesia and Tanzania are enhancing bilateral cooperation through initiatives discussed at the recent G20 Summit, focusing on energy, trade, and human resource development. The proposed preferential trade agreement and strengthened educational initiatives in the agriculture and oil sectors signify a commitment to mutual growth and South-South cooperation, further solidifying their international partnerships. Both countries remain vigilant in supporting humanitarian causes, emphasizing shared values in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

The drones are expected to deliver perishable goods and essential medicines as well as serve as an innovative form of transport particularly in cases where there are limitations with regular sea and air transport services.

Dong Ming, CEO of VOLANT which is responsible for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) said the air taxi service has six seats to accommodate four to five passengers and a pilot.

"I think eventually this is going to shape the whole economic pattern and society pattern. Just like cars, when cars are happening, you can see especially the city pattern has been widely spread, so then people’s daily living range has been significantly extended. So with this tool, with this vehicle (air taxi), this is going to happen again," he told AFP.

"Once the economic and safety and comfortable performance have been approved, this is going scale up very fast, maybe in the following two to three years, every city is going to see one of the Volants (the company’s aircraft) on the roofs," he added.

By 2016, China’s GDP per capita had soared to $8,117.27, a remarkable 41-fold increase. This growth surpassed nearly all African countries except for Equatorial Guinea, which had a GDP per capita of $9,217.89 (though its wealth is highly unevenly distributed), and the Seychelles at $15,060.99.

In contrast, Uganda and Guinea-Bissau had significantly improved their economic standings by 2016. Uganda’s GDP per capita rose to $580.38, marking nearly a six-fold increase, while Guinea-Bissau’s reached $648.90, a nearly fivefold improvement. 

Despite its rapid growth , China’s GDP per capita in 2016 remained slightly lower than Mexico's $8,443.69 and Russia's $8,748.37. It still lagged far behind higher-income nations, with the US at $57,588.54, Australia at $49,896.68, Canada at $42,348.95, and the UK at $40,412.03.

Recent data from the IMF's April 2024 World Economic Outlook report shows that China's GDP per capita is $13,136 (nominal).

The exercise comes amid rising tensions, with China regularly sending drones, fighter jets, and naval vessels around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the presence of five Chinese aircraft and 11 naval vessels near the island in the 24 hours leading up to the drills.

The live-fire exercise at the Jiupeng base, home to Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, was part of efforts to boost the island’s combat effectiveness amidst growing threats from China.

The exercise focused on search and rescue operations and preventing fires and explosions. It was part of an agreement made earlier in the year when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visited Hanoi. The goal was to boost cooperation between the two nations' coast guards.

Vietnam’s coast guard ship, CSB 8002, visited Manila for five days to participate in the drill alongside the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang. Despite having competing claims in the South China Sea, the exercise showed that the Philippines and Vietnam can work together.

The United Nations for more control over their areas in the South China Sea. China, however, claims almost the entire sea, which is important for its resources and the massive amount of trade that flows through it each year.

The Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Centre has been under construction since July 2022. This dedicated facility marks China's first foray into commercial space missions, aiming to provide a robust platform for private space enterprises.

Yang Tianliang, chairman of the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center, announced on Tuesday, July 16 that the centre's debut launch is expected to take place around September or October this year.

“This is because we need time to carry out all-system rehearsals to prepare our staff for the first launch and spot possible problems. So far, most of the rehearsal tasks have been accomplished. We will make some small changes to related procedures based on the results of the rehearsals,” he said.

The site features advanced infrastructure, including fueling and gas supply systems, substations, and multiple launch pads.

The construction of the No. 1 launch pad was completed in December 2023. The site has also successfully conducted a rocket launch simulation rehearsal, demonstrating its readiness for actual space missions.

The Chang'e-6 mission has become a source of national pride, highlighting China's increased lunar exploration efforts and drawing attention from its rival, the US.

On Tuesday, the Chang'e-6 landed in the Inner Mongolia desert after a nearly two-month mission filled with risks. Scientists eagerly anticipate the samples from Chang’e-6, as they could provide crucial insights into planetary formation. The far side of the Moon, less explored than the near side, is particularly intriguing to scientists because it may contain ice, which can be harvested for water, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Reaching the far side of the Moon poses significant technical challenges due to its distance from Earth and its rough terrain, characterized by giant craters and limited flat surfaces. State media showed officials proudly planting the Chinese flag after the Chang’e-6 capsule's successful landing in Inner Mongolia.

President Xi Jinping called to congratulate the mission team at the command centre, expressing his hope for continued deep space exploration. He encouraged them to "reach new heights in unravelling the mysteries of the universe" for the benefit of humanity and the advancement of the nation.

The CNSA announced that on May 8, the Pakistani CubeSat successfully detached from the orbiter near the far side of the moon and captured its initial images.

The first snapshot showcased the radiant sun, while the second featured a gleaming half-moon. The third image displayed the moon and the sun in one frame, according to the images released by the CNSA.

To strengthen bilateral ties, China on May 10 delivered the data collected by the cube satellite onboard its Chang'e-6 spacecraft to Pakistan, the CNSA announced .

“I believe that this cooperation is of great significance to promoting friendly relations between the two countries and enriching people's understanding of the moon,” said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre.

"We will share our scientific achievements to lay the foundation for future lunar exploration activities, which will be of great significance to promoting the construction of a global community with a shared future in outer space," he added.

This achievement marks another feat in the progress of Asian nations in space exploration. Japan recently made headlines by capturing the world's first close-up photograph of space debris in orbit as part of an ongoing mission aimed at identifying and eliminating potentially hazardous debris cluttering Earth's orbit.

While a range of entities, including affiliates of China’s Communist Party, militant Islamist groups, military juntas, and domestic political actors, were implicated in sponsoring such campaigns, Russia emerged as the predominant disseminator of disinformation in Africa.

The report further shed light on the extensive reach of Russian agents, who executed 80 documented campaigns across 22 countries, solidifying their status as the principal source of disinformation in the region. Notably, these efforts intensified before and after the coup in Niger last July .

Elections emerged as a key target for disinformation actors, with a notable group identified as "Team Jorge," an Israeli entity, orchestrating disinformation campaigns during at least 20 African electoral processes since 2015.

The report also adds that these disinformation campaigns employ the services of paid African influencers, digital avatars, and the dissemination of fake or out-of-context videos and images. These messages are often replicated and amplified across multiple channels, including Russian state-controlled media, radio broadcasts, and official communications platforms.

Disinformation is deliberately crafted, far from being merely inaccurate, and is meant to deceive and inflict significant harm. It can be disseminated by both state and non-state actors, exerting a wide-reaching impact on various human rights. This harmful practice undermines efforts to formulate effective public policies and increases tensions, particularly during emergencies or periods of armed conflict.

According to energy expert Dean Tavakoli, China is a chief beneficiary of the sanctions on Iran and Russia as they enjoy discounted prices on the crude they purchase from the sanctioned countries.

“U.S. and China I don't see in this sector. They are not competitors because the US is the producer and the Chinese are the buyer… In the past few weeks we have seen U.S. vessels [carrying] natural gases going towards China. U.S. policies are in advantage of the Chinese buyers because of the sanctions.

“You see, the Iranian sanction has been there for the past few years that they have to sell their crude with major significant discounts to China. And now we have added cheaper Russian crude for the Chinese market. When the Chinese purchase at the lower price point, whatever product they are going to make, their major trade partner is America. So all this is going to go back cheaper to America. In an indirect way, Americans are dampening the inflation rate with these sanctions and the relationship and policies that they have on the energy sector,” he told GSW in an interview.

In 2022, U.S. oil companies sold more than 83 million barrels to China. In 2023, the trend went up with oil exports to China through April totaling more than 76 million barrels.

The U.S. Senate in mid-2023 overwhelmingly passed an amendment to an annual defense bill that would ban exports to China of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Dean Tavakoli also explained how Saudi Arabia has replaced sanctioned Iran to become the main exporter of crude oil to China.

“Iran is no longer a key player. It's more like a participant in this market. And, because you need excessive investment in the energy sector to keep up production and when there is no foreign investment or there is no transfer of new technology to any country then their production facility is going to get old and they're not going to be able to keep up. Nowadays, with around 1 million to 1.1 million barrels a day exports from Iran to China, it's more like a noise to Chinese market because the total of the production is less than what is sold to China. That is around 10% of the Chinese need.

“Iran is not going to be able to produce a lot. And now a major relationship is being formed between China and Saudi Arabia. You can see that the Saudis are going to invest heavily in the Chinese energy sector. They are going to build the Petro refinery in [China] so they only need to ship the crude, as they feed to this Petro refinery, and they can sell the final product at the destination of the market,” he said.

Dean Tavakoli is a senior executive who possesses over a decade of extensive global quantitative investment experience. He has recently held multiple roles as the leading management figure of Sea Enerji while also serving as a strategic advisor for the Middle East Oil and Gas. Read his latest publication titled Crude Oil, new landscape .

Watch the interview below

Taiwan remained a Japanese colony for half a century after China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. Following the defeat of Japan in World War II, China’s Nationalist government, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), took control of Taiwan. Not long after, the Nationalists which also ruled mainland China under the Republic of China (ROC) were attacked and defeated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Chinese Civil War which led to the Nationalists retreating to Taiwan in 1949. CCP took power and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing, China.

During this period, the U.S. supported Taiwan economically, and it now operates independently with its government and a population of twenty-three million people, though recognition is limited.

Mainland China since then has vowed to unify Taiwan with mainland China.

Cross-strait tensions

Mainland China insists on the " One China " principle, saying there’s only one China, considering Taiwan as part of its territory and itself as the sole legitimate government. They aim for Taiwan's eventual reunification with the mainland and claim that the 1992 Consensus binds Taiwan to this idea, even though there is disagreement on its content.

Taiwan rejects reunification and seeks independence. Despite Taiwan's push for independence, Mainland China remains committed to reunification and has intensified efforts to bring Taiwan under its control, saying it has not ruled out force in achieving this goal.

"One China" possibility

In the 1980s, relations between Taiwan and China began to improve as Taiwan eased restrictions on visits and investments in China. In 1991, Taiwan officially declared an end to the war with China. However, China proposed the "one country, two systems" model, offering significant autonomy to Taiwan under Beijing's control, a proposal that Taiwan rejected.

President Tsai, who took office in 2016, disputed the existence of the 1992 consensus and increased defense spending, reaching a record budget of nearly $17 billion for 2022.

China has since heightened military measures, including frequent patrols and naval displays around Taiwan. Taiwan reported a surge in cyberattacks from China, accusing Chinese groups of hacking into its government agencies. China also implemented various diplomatic and economic pressures on Taiwan and its international partners including suspending cross-strait relations, restricting tourism to Taiwan and intimidating countries that have ties with Taiwan, emphasizing its proposal for reunification under the "one country, two systems" formula and maintaining the option to use force if necessary.

In a 2019 speech , China’s President Xi said , "We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means.”

The likelihood of a China-Taiwan War

The fact that China hasn’t ruled out using force to achieve Taiwan’s “reunification” raises concerns about the likelihood of war. However, experts hold differing views on the likelihood and timing of a Chinese invasion . Some experts point to 2049 as a critical date, given President Xi's emphasis on achieving the "Chinese Dream" by then.

Regardless, The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has prioritized preparing for a Taiwan contingency, and Taiwan has been a significant driver of China's military modernization . 

Can Taiwan defend itself against China in the breakout of a war? Taiwan may face challenges considering China’s defense spending , estimated to be around twelve times that of Taiwan.

President Tsai has however allocated a record budget of over $19 billion for 2023 in defense spending. The U.S. under President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has also expressed a commitment to come to Taiwan's defense if attacked by China.

On January 9, China issued a threat of additional trade measures against Taiwan, escalating tensions ahead of elections on the island. Taiwan accused Beijing of engaging in "economic coercion", and election interference that includes military activities and expressed displeasure over a surprise Chinese satellite launch conducted in its airspace.

The situation reflects heightened political and economic tensions between the two sides and as it reaches its peak, the world closely watches and holds its breath in anticipation of the next chapter.

These agreements were settled on the sidelines of the China-Saudi investment conference held from December 7 to 12, 2023, in the presence of the Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia, Khaled Al-Falih, and Li Fei, the Deputy Minister of Commerce of China.

About 1,200 officials from the public and private sectors attended the conference to discuss investment opportunities for increasing cooperation between the two countries.

Beijing hosted the China-Saudi investment conference organized by the Ministry of Investment, in coordination with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCMA), the Independent reported .

Agreements were signed in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, and financial services. Other fields including logistics, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare were also negotiated.

According to Arab News , the most significant contract at the conference was in the field of information and communication technology. The Saudi Arabian Sports Federation and the China Electronic Sports Tournament Operator (VSPO) signed a memorandum of understanding worth $8.5 billion to promote opportunities, cooperation, and participation in electronic sports.

At the investment conference of Saudi Arabia and China, senior leaders of the region were present, including representatives of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company known as Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). 

In June, the 10th Edition of the Arab-China Business Conference themed "Collaborating For Prosperity" was launched by China in the capital of Saudi Arabia with the presence of economic experts and officials which appeared to have helped to boost ties between the two governments.

The conference is also expected to strengthen the efforts of the two governments in developing the path of strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China in the economic, investment, and commercial fields, under the umbrella of "Saudi Vision 2030" as well as China's "Belt and Road" initiative.

“We have no such debt trap in Africa. It's nonsense and the Western countries account for much more of the debt in Africa than China,” he said recently in an interview.

The United States particularly has criticised China accusing it of causing unsustainable debt by financing mega-infrastructure projects whose economic viability is not guaranteed, saying , “some of the implications of the BRI [Bridge and Road Initiative] appear to be that Chinese loans will eventually cause developing countries in the Global South to default on their debts, allowing China to take control of strategic assets such as ports, railways, power stations.”

Ambassador Zhou said the whole story about China-made debt traps is nothing but a narrative created by some forces to disrupt and jeopardise China’s cooperation with other developing countries.

“First of all, this ‘debt trap’ rhetoric goes against economic common sense,” he said, adding, “As we all know, a healthy, right amount of debt is conducive to socio-economic development. Many countries take government debt as an important form of raising funds and lever for economic development. Anyone who talks about only the negatives of debt without mentioning its benefits or even portrays it as a poison for development is simply being ill-informed or amateurish.”

He said: “This debt trap rhetoric also runs counter to facts. China’s investment and financing cooperation with other countries focuses on infrastructure and production sectors and has successfully helped developing countries address the lack of funding, infrastructure, talents and other development bottlenecks and enhance their self-driven development capacity.

“Investment and financing cooperation between China and fellow developing countries is carried out in compliance with international rules, market laws and the principle of debt sustainability,” he explained.

He said a report by the US-based Boston University Global Development Policy Centre noted that the investment and financing cooperation between China and fellow developing countries could help these countries to overcome bottlenecks in development, unlock growth potential and increase global real income by up to three percentage points. “To describe development resources as a ‘debt trap’ is to call white black.”

Zhou said: “This ‘debt trap’ rhetoric wrongly pictures the will of the developing countries. Widely welcomed in the developing world, it offers a good choice for debt-laden countries to meet funding shortfalls and boost economic growth. Leaders of developing countries have noted that China shows up where and when the West will not or are reluctant to and is a true good friend. In fact, as we have seen, not a single cooperation partner has accused China of creating ‘debt traps’.”

Zhou added: “It is a handful of Western countries who have been spreading the fallacy of ‘Chinese debt traps’. The multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors these countries dominate are the major creditors of developing countries and constitute the major source of stress for them in terms of debt repayment. They are the ones that need to make substantive contributions to easing developing countries’ debt burden.”

By 2020 total Chinese investments in Zimbabwe had topped $2 billion but are set to more than double as “Chinese companies were awarded licenses in the third quarter of 2023 that could see $2,79 billion of investment flow into Zimbabwe, mostly in mining and energy as the government pushes to develop some of Africa’s biggest lithium deposits and end power outages.”

China has refurbished Zimbabwe’s main Robert Mugabe International Airport and the airport at the main tourist resort of Victoria Falls; the former project’s total cost was $153m while the latter was built solely by the Chinese at a cost of $150 million. Other notable Chinese projects include the $1.5 billion Manhize Steel Plant envisaged to be the biggest in Africa upon completion.

China also built Zimbabwe’s new parliament building at a cost of $200 million, “ as a gift ” to the Zimbabwean people.

Zhou’s predecessor Guo Shaochun said in 2022: “The China-financed or invested projects in Zimbabwe mostly cover electricity, airports and communication facilities, the areas most in need of development. Such projects have boosted economic growth, increased tax revenues, created jobs and improved people's livelihood in African countries including Zimbabwe, generating tangible benefits to African people.”

China is Zimbabwe's second-largest trading partner and has remained the biggest investor in Zimbabwe for many years.

A senior Zimbabwe government official Christopher Mutsvangwa said in an interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua in June 2023, "We want more capital from China ... Because capital from China is modernising Africa. It is bringing Africa to the global economic stage which they [Western countries] never did before China."

He said that 650 to 900 tonnes of oil are extracted from these wells daily and a portion of the income is spent on development projects.

Currently, 15 wells are operating but the number is expected to increase in the future.

He claimed that the cost of building the Sultan Ibrahim dam will be financed by profits from oil extraction ventures, and the project will be launched in April next year.

Chinese influence

Local media Independent Persian reports that during a visit to the Qashqari oil field, in late November, the Taliban governor ordered the Taliban forces to cooperate with the employees of the Chinese contractors operating wells to ensure security.

The Taliban is worried that the Khorasan branch of the Islamic State or their military opponents will make the oil-rich Qashqari region unsafe, the report added. 

During the two decades of war and insurgency against the former government of Afghanistan and its Western allies, the Taliban were accused of making a great deal of effort to make various projects in the country unsafe and were allegedly extorting money from project contractors, Arab News revealed.

In January 2023, the Taliban handed over the extraction of the Qashgari oil field and other Amu Darya oil fields in Jawzjan and Faryab provinces to a Chinese company called Xinjiang Gas and Petroleum in Central Asia (CAPEIC) under a 25-year agreement.

It is estimated that the capacity of the Amu Darya oil region is 87 million barrels. 20% of the income from oil field resources goes to the Taliban.

The process of extracting oil from the Qashqari oil field started in July of this year and initially, the capacity of extraction was 50 tonnes of crude oil in one day. The Chinese company was able to increase the level of oil extraction.

With the overthrow of the previous government in August 2021, the Taliban started a massive campaign to attract foreign investors in the mining sector, and among these, Chinese companies showed great enthusiasm for investing in this sector. Various Chinese delegations travel to Afghanistan to meet with senior Taliban officials.

The Taliban regime has entrusted the mining of the Aynak copper mine in Logar province, the largest copper mine in Afghanistan and the second copper mine in the world, to China.

China owns a large part of Afghanistan's consumer market, and it is believed that with the continuation of the Taliban regime, China's role in the country's economy will become more prominent.

Contractual risks

The Taliban regime was able to dominate Afghanistan by resorting to the military option and signing an agreement with the United States of America on February 29, 2020.

This Islamist extremist group is accused of monopoly of power and violation of human rights, especially of women.

The Taliban government has not been recognized by any country yet, therefore signing the contract for extracting Afghanistan's mines is not legal and has no legitimacy, and it will not hold if the Taliban regime is overthrown.

The recently drilled wells in Sare-e-Pol are part of a broader initiative outlined in a contract signed in January 2023, requiring a total investment of $540 million over three years.

Under the terms of the contract, China Central Asia Oil and Gas committed to investing $150 million this year alone, contributing to the expansion of oil exploration and production activities in Afghanistan.

The projects are expected to generate an annual revenue of $500 million for the Taliban-led government.

Although Afghanistan possesses an estimated 150 million barrels of oil reserves, lack of development has led the country to heavily rely on oil product imports, costing over $1 billion annually.

The injection of foreign investment and expertise is anticipated to not only boost oil production but also drive economic growth and reduce Afghanistan's dependence on oil imports.

China, despite not officially recognizing the Taliban-led government, has actively engaged in various contracts related to oil field development and metal mining in Afghanistan.

These ventures, including the recent expansion of oil production, underline China's strategic economic interests in the region.

Beyond the energy sector, China's economic ties with Afghanistan have witnessed substantial growth.

Customs statistics reveal that China's exports to Afghanistan surged by almost 2.5 times in the first 10 months of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year, exceeding $1 billion.

In reciprocation, Afghanistan's exports to China also experienced notable growth, reaching $43 million with a remarkable 130% increase.

The deepening economic relations between China and Afghanistan, spanning oil production, mining, and trade, showcase the pragmatic approach both sides have taken in navigating their diplomatic and economic ties.

Despite international sanctions, China has significantly increased its purchases of Iranian oil in recent years, benefiting from substantial discounts.

The U.S. House of Representatives is now advocating for the imposition of secondary sanctions on Chinese financial institutions that facilitate the sale of Iranian oil.

The move comes in response to concerns raised by lawmakers about the ineffectiveness of existing sanctions and the substantial rise in Iran's oil exports.

A report from The Washington Institute highlights a significant surge in Iran's oil exports, exceeding triple the volume since 2020.

The Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Regime Guard Corps (IRGC), reported a tenfold increase in income from Iran's oil exports to China compared to 2020. This surge reportedly followed the signing of a 25-year cooperation document and the restoration of relations between Iran and China.

The U.S. lawmakers, spearheaded by Republican Michael Lawler and Democrat Jared Moskowitz, emphasize the urgency of the bill, which was approved in the House of Representatives on November 3rd.

The legislation intends to intensify sanctions related to Iranian oil by targeting ports and refineries involved in purchasing or storing Iranian oil. Lawler stated that the bill sends a clear message that violators of sanctions, particularly those buying Iranian oil, will be held accountable.

The legislators argue that the heightened focus on blocking the purchase of Iranian oil by China gained urgency after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th.

The bill aims to reinforce sanctions against Chinese entities, aligning with the lawmakers' claim that Iran's oil revenues are being diverted to support activities deemed as "terrorist operations" against Israel.

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While specifics about the new coronavirus strains in Iran were not provided, the World Health Organization declared the EG.5 subvariant on August 18, predominantly affecting the United States and China. 

In Iran, influenza has surged in the last six weeks, resulting in two-thirds of hospitalizations in respiratory disease centers. 

Meanwhile, northern China has witnessed a rise in influenza-like diseases and pneumonia in children, attributed to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Concerns about global pandemic risks have grown amid calls for increased transparency in reporting respiratory disease cases, echoing past doubts about information disclosure related to the initial COVID-19 cases in Wuhan, China.