China, Afghanistan, and Critical Minerals: Options for US Strategic Competition Below the Threshold of War
Publisher: Small Wars Journal
Author(s): Sean Ryan and Adib Farhadi
Date: 2026
Topics: Conflict Causes, Economic Recovery, Extractive Resources, Governance
Countries: Afghanistan, China, United States
Afghanistan remains relevant to the United States in the context of Great Power Competition. While China assumed a major role in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal, its promises of economic performance on mineral extraction contracts continue to underperform financially. The US has an opportunity to compete for strategic minerals by changing where value is gained in the strategic supply chain.