ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Asia Insight

China risks militants' wrath in Afghanistan, Pakistan and beyond

Beijing reduces Islamabad presence as myriad groups find Asian giant a useful target

The militant Islamic State group's local branch claimed responsibility for an attack on this Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul in December.   © AP

The pop of gunfire rang out from the high-rise Kabul Longan Hotel in the afternoon of Dec. 12. Plumes of smoke spewed from shattered windows, towering into the air above the Afghan capital.

Atop the hotel's blackened facade, a sign bearing its name in red Chinese characters hinted at the target. The Longan is known to be frequented by Chinese diplomats and businesspeople -- a point Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) mentioned when it claimed responsibility for the bombing and shooting attack.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more