On the Tajik–Afghan border. Photo: khaama.com
China has called on Tajikistan’s government to take stronger measures to protect Chinese citizens and businesses, while urging its own nationals to immediately leave areas bordering Afghanistan.
On the evening of November 30, China’s ambassador to Tajikistan, Guo Zhijun, held emergency phone talks with the country’s foreign minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, and the first deputy head of the State Committee for National Security, Farhod Kamalzoda.
The sides discussed recent incidents on the Tajik–Chinese border in which several Chinese citizens were killed, as well as the threat posed to Chinese businesses and personnel in the border zone. Guo Zhijun called on the Tajik side to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals. Dushanbe condemned the attacks, emphasized the importance of China’s concerns, and pledged to promptly tighten security measures.
On Monday, December 1, the Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan posted an urgent message on its WeChat account calling on Chinese companies to evacuate staff from districts near the Tajik–Afghan border. Special attention was directed at gold-mining firms operating in the region.
Other Chinese nationals in Tajikistan were advised to closely monitor regional security developments, avoid travel to border areas, and take heightened precautions. In emergencies, they were instructed to contact Tajik law enforcement and the Chinese Embassy immediately.
The warnings follow two deadly incidents on the Tajik–Afghan border over the past week. On November 26, three Chinese employees of the mining company Shohin SM were killed and another injured when a drone carrying grenades crossed over from Afghanistan and struck their work site. On the evening of November 30, two Chinese nationals working on a road construction project near the border were killed and two wounded after coming under fire from Afghan territory. According to Tajik border guards, the victims worked for China Road and Bridge Corporation.
Security officials have reported the incidents to Tajikistan’s president, Emomali Rahmon, who “strongly condemned the unlawful and provocative actions of Afghan citizens” and ordered government agencies to take effective measures to stabilize the situation.
Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban* commented on the first attack, condemning the killing of Chinese workers and accusing the perpetrators of trying to destabilize the region. The Afghan Foreign Ministry expressed condolences and said it was ready to cooperate with Dushanbe and Beijing in investigating the incident.
