China-Taliban security ties: a reimagining of South Asia's security discourse

Abstract

This article examines how China constructs a distinct security discourse on terrorism through its engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Moving beyond traditional materialist interpretations of security, the study draws on critical security studies to explore how China uses language, representation, and institutional practices to frame terrorism and project itself as a regional stabilizer. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has prompted China to expand its strategic presence in South Asia, particularly through economic diplomacy, intelligence cooperation, and regional multilateral and minilateral forums. Through qualitative discourse analysis of Chinese official statements, white papers, SCO documents, and state media narratives, this research identifies how China positions the Taliban as a manageable actor and redefines terrorism in ways that serve its domestic and regional interests. The article argues that this discursive framing directly contests India’s traditional dominance over regional counterterrorism narratives and contributes to an emerging shift in South Asia’s security architecture. By focusing on China’s security discourse, the article offers a fresh lens for understanding the politics of counterterrorism in South Asia and the broader implications of discursive power in shaping regional order.