Why did China suspend an important infrastructure project in Tajikistan?

China has suspended work on the reconstruction and construction of the difficult section of the Kalaikhumb – Vanj road in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

The Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan reported that the decision was made “to ensure the safety of Chinese employees.” Earlier, during attacks from the territory of Afghanistan, Chinese citizens were killed. In this regard, Beijing decided to temporarily halt the implementation of this strategically important infrastructure project in GBAO.

The Ministry of Transport emphasizes that the Chinese side’s position is firm: work on the project will resume only after “full restoration of stability” on the Tajik-Afghan border.

Previously, authorities presented this project as a vital transport artery intended to connect mountainous areas with the administrative center of the Rushan district, and eventually with the border of China. However, currently all construction work on this section is completely halted.

Meanwhile, the Uzbek publication Upl.uz, in an article citing sources close to diplomatic circles, reports that the reason for China’s decision to suspend construction was the “sharp escalation of the situation on the Tajik-Afghan border.”

According to available information, after two consecutive attacks last month from the territory of Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of several Chinese specialists, this event instantly changed the risk assessment for Beijing. “The security conditions were deemed critically insufficient, after which a directive was issued for the immediate withdrawal of personnel from the site,” the publication writes.

It is reported that there has been silence at the construction sites for the second month. Work being carried out under the global initiative “One Belt, One Road” has been halted indefinitely. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China emphasizes in its closed and open communiqués that the priority is solely the life and health of Chinese citizens, and no economic benefits can outweigh the direct military threat.

Against this backdrop, Tajikistan’s state media reported again on January 18 about another border incident. Authorities claim to have strengthened control on the southern borders of the country, but experts assess the security situation as unstable. In their opinion, the activation of extremist groups in northern Afghanistan poses a constant threat.

The project for the construction of the Kalaikhumb – Vanj road in GBAO was being implemented by the Chinese road construction company China Road and Bridge Corporation. According to available data, the Chinese government allocated 230 million dollars for the implementation of this project in the form of grants.