BRI

• Interim Afghan minister for commerce Haji Nooruddin Azizi even talked about the Taliban’s desire for Afghanistan to join the BRI.
• The idea of an Islamist group such as the Taliban allying with the nominally secular and communist China might appear surprising.
• It is also part of a deepening of ties between China and many Islamic nations in recent years.
• These would threaten Chinese interests in central Asia and China’s western border regions, which have become pivotal for the BRI.

China’s ties with Islamic world

• The Taliban’s presence at the BRI summit also demonstrates China’s growing ties with the Islamic world, which has drawn notable attention in recent years.
• It was also involved in the agreement to add several Islamic nations to the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) partnership.
• The initial gains from China’s efforts to portray itself as a friend to the Islamic world could be seen in how a UK-led statement condemning China’s policies in Xinjiang, mainly attracted the support of western nations, but very few Islamic nations.

Tom Harper does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

• Commenting on the growth of trade between the two nations in recent years, Iraq's Ambassador to China, Shorsh Khalid Said, stated, "We have strengthened our ties with Chinese allies.
• China has emerged as Iraq's biggest trading partner, and Iraq ranks third among Arab countries as a trading partner for China."
• Ambassador Said affirmed that he has gained profound insights into the dynamic partnership between the two nations since becoming the ambassador to China.
• Ambassador Said added, "As an ancient civilization, Iraq, with its storied history, vibrant culture and rich tourism resources, warmly welcomes an ever growing number of Chinese travelers.

• This new platform helps protect cardholders' medical data and monitors their medical claims for potential errors, fraud and overbilling.
• More than 60% of bankruptcies are directly caused by medical expenses, and up to 80% of medical bills contain errors.
• BRI customers can now get help protecting their privacy, guarding against medical fraud and reviewing their claims for accuracy.
• HealthLock continually monitors medical and prescription claims (as well as vision and dental, if requested) for cardholders who enroll.

• During this visit, he inspired them to practice the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), help promote the friendship between China and Africa, and make new and greater contributions to building CNMC into a world-class enterprise.
• CNMC, founded in 1983, is one of the earliest enterprises in China's nonferrous metal industry to implement the strategy of "Going Global".
• They also invest special funds, improving the conditions of education, employment, infrastructure, ecological environment, health care, etc.
• During the research period in South Central Africa, Mr. Xi Zhengping, chairman of the board, conducted research work in 10 CNMC-funding enterprises in Africa and Sino-Zambia Vocational College of Science and Technology, Sino-Zambia Friendship Hospital, Laboratory Zambia, etc.