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Why China is seducing Afghanistan | ticker VIEWS
Afghanistan holds the key to an untapped trove of minerals the world needs, worth $1 trillion
Under Afghanistan soil sits an untouched quantity of minerals including copper, iron ore, lithium, and rare bauxite. These minerals could power the world’s transition to renewable energies, but the precious minerals remain unearthed.
Shortly after the capital fell to the Taliban, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry expressed willingness to build relations. Insisting Beijing is “ready to develop friendly cooperation” with Afghanistan.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, political chief of Afghanistan’s Taliban, July 28, 2021.
Untouched minerals
A report by the US Geological Survey has proven the valuable minerals hidden within the Afghanistan mountains are more valuable than anywhere else in the world currently.
Copper is valuable in making power cables, and prices are sitting at more than $10, 000 per tonne. Lithium is a vital element that helps to make electric car batteries, wind farms, and solar panels.
Now, with the world transitioning to net-zero emissions targets the demand for Lithium will only increase. The International Energy Agency is predicting it will grow by over 40 times by 2040.
These untapped minerals have been estimated at over $1 trillion by the US Geological Survey, but Afghanistan values it three times this amount. The country also mines coal, iron, and marble.
Over the last 20 years, the Taliban hasn’t had enough power or financial support to tap into these highly sought-after minerals. This could set them high on the world’s economic chart.
Now, as they resume power, questions need to be raised over China’s interest in building a relationship and willingness to do business with the Taliban.
The state-owned China Metallurgical Group Corporation won rights to lease the giant Mes Aynak copper ore deposit in Afghanistan for 30 years. This allows them to extract 11.5 million tonnes of the commodity.
The project hasn’t started operations yet because of safety issues.
China’s diplomatic and economic motives in Afghanistan
While the rest of the world is shocked and frightened of the Taliban takeover, questions remain over China’s economic motives and diplomatic interests in the region.
“Afghanistan has a large supply of rare earth elements, China wants to secure these.”
Dr. John Coyne, The Australian Strategic Policy Institute
“Already 80% of the global market of rare earths is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, so it’s critical for the Chinese Government to secure this supply.”
Dr. John Coyne, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
“China and Russia are looking at Afghanistan as a gold rush but it’s also going to be a continuing counterterrorism threat”
Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism analyst
Building an alliance
Another reason for China’s interest in building relations, its to protect itself from future terror attacks.
Dr. Teagan Westendorf from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, questions whether China will take the risk and step up as the main financier, now that the US has withdrawn.
Becoming a vital financial aid to the region, could build a strong alliance and prevent future terror groups or attacks spilling onto Chinese soil.
What role will China play in Afghanistan following the takeover from the Taliban?
Analyst @aspi_org @dr_westendorf gives her take: pic.twitter.com/j3dRkTAO6T
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) August 23, 2021
A shared regional problem
Dr. Westendorf says Afghanistan is a concern for all of its neighbouring countries including Russia, India, and China.
“Afghanistan has become a shared regional problem and it’s something that I don’t think that any of these countries will be able to wash their hands from it. It will affect them geostrategically.”
Dr. Teagan Westendorf, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise
China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Calm fears
Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.
The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.
Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week
For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.
In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.
For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.
The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.
Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.
East Coast Barbados
Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.
Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.
Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.
Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.
Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.
It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.
Peloponnese
For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.
Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.
It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.
Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.
The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.
Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.
For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.
Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.
Margaret River
Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.
It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.
In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.
News
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.
Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.
The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.
Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.
International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.
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