The Taliban’s Strategic Campaign to Convert Chinese Nationals in Afghanistan

The Taliban have recently intensified a publicized campaign aimed at converting Chinese nationals residing in Afghanistan to Islam, a move that serves both ideological and strategic purposes. This initiative was highlighted by the high-profile conversion of a 51-year-old Chinese citizen named Mankhai Shia, who was brought to the historic Pul-e Khishti Mosque in Kabul to formally announce his new faith before a public gathering. According to reports from the Taliban’s Ministry, these conversions are framed as voluntary acts of spiritual discovery, yet the public nature of these ceremonies suggests a calculated effort to project an image of Islamic influence and soft power. This religious outreach is occurring against a backdrop of increasing Chinese presence in the country, as numerous Chinese workers and engineers have moved to Afghanistan to engage in large-scale resource extraction.