Afghanistan is very rich in resources especially rare earth elements. That’s probably one of the main reasons why they are still there, to stop China from accessing that treasure trove.
The US doesn't have the ability to exclude Chinese companies from the market. Not that it matters with China already controling most Rare Earth Metals.
Afghanistan is very rich in resources especially rare earth elements. That’s probably one of the main reasons why they are still there, to stop China from accessing that treasure trove.
"The U.S. Geological Survey began inspecting what mineral resources Afghanistan had after U.S.-led forces drove the Taliban from power in the country in 2004. ...In 2010, the USGS data attracted the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense's Task Force for Business and Stability Operations, which is entrusted with rebuilding Afghanistan. ...The Afghan government has already signed a 30-year, $3 billion contract with the China Metallurgical Group, a state-owned mining enterprise based in Beijing..."
The US doesn't have the ability to exclude Chinese companies from the market. Not that it matters with China already controling most Rare Earth Metals.