China has issued a formal demand to Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to intensify protection for its citizens following a deadly explosion in Kabul that claimed the life of a Chinese national. The blast, which tore through a Chinese restaurant in the capital's city centre, has prompted Beijing to issue urgent security warnings and evacuation advice for its nationals in the region.
Restaurant Attack Claims Multiple Lives
The devastating explosion occurred on Monday in Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw district, a popular gathering spot that has previously been targeted by militant groups. According to officials, the blast ripped through a restaurant jointly owned by an Afghan man and a Chinese couple, creating a large hole in the building's side and destroying a parked vehicle outside.
While the Afghan government has not yet confirmed final casualty figures, medical staff at the Emergency NGO hospital reported receiving at least twenty injured people, with seven declared dead on arrival. Among the wounded were four women and a child, highlighting the attack's indiscriminate nature.
China's Strong Response
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed at a daily briefing in Beijing that one Chinese citizen was killed and five others injured in the attack. "China strongly condemns and resolutely opposes terrorism in all forms," Mr Guo stated emphatically, adding that Beijing supports regional cooperation against terrorist violence.
The spokesperson urged Afghan authorities to "spare no effort" in protecting Chinese citizens and to "take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and projects." Beijing has specifically called for the perpetrators to be found and punished following the attack.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility
The terror group Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for the restaurant bombing, stating it was motivated by what it described as China's "increasing crimes against the oppressed Uyghur Muslims." This regional affiliate of the Islamic State has consistently opposed both the ruling Taliban and China's growing presence in Afghanistan.
This is not the first attack targeting Chinese interests in Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw district. In December 2022, militants targeted a hotel popular with Chinese business visitors to Afghanistan, indicating a pattern of violence against Beijing's expanding economic interests in the country.
Security Measures and Travel Warnings
In response to the escalating security threat, China has issued specific guidance for its citizens in Afghanistan:
- Advising against all travel to Afghanistan in the near term
- Urging Chinese nationals already in the country to strengthen security measures
- Recommending evacuation from high-risk areas
- Calling for increased protection for Chinese business projects
China's Growing Afghan Presence
The attack comes amid China's significant expansion of its economic footprint in Afghanistan since most Western countries withdrew following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Beijing has been pursuing strategic investments and diplomatic engagement with the Taliban government, despite not formally recognising their administration.
This growing presence has made Chinese interests increasingly visible targets for militant groups operating in Afghanistan. The ISKP specifically mentioned opposing what it claims is China's expanding influence in the region as motivation for the restaurant attack.
Afghan government spokesperson Khalid Zadran confirmed the explosion occurred near the kitchen of the targeted restaurant, while eyewitnesses described scenes of destruction and emergency services rushing to treat the wounded. The attack represents another serious security challenge for the Taliban government as it attempts to stabilise the country while facing opposition from both international terror groups and domestic resistance.
